The Princess of Wales and the Duchess of Edinburgh have led a special service in honour of VE Day - the end of the Second World War - in London on Thursday (8 May). The 80th anniversary of the event was marked with a thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey, attended by senior members of the Royal Family, veterans and other special guests.
The King and Queen, Prince and Princess of Wales, Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and Princess Anne were all in attendance for the London event. And, during the service, one moment in particular stood out. Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, took the time to introduce herself to some of the guests, including a decorated veteran sitting on the front row. A photographer captured an emotional exchange between the pair, with Sophie holding the veteran's hands as she talked to him.
Following the service, Kate was given the honour of laying flowers on the Innocent Victims' Memorial, and was pictured setting them down alongside Prince William as they filed out of the Abbey.
Guests with a military background wore their medals - including The King, who also shook hands with members of the congregation. The rest of the congregation wore formal dress, with Kate re-wearing a polka dot midi dresses by Alessandra Rich with a high, gathered neckline and structured waistband. She accessorised with a pair of pearl drop earrings and a striking black hat with a mesh veil. She previously wore the polka dot outfit to The Order of The Garter Service at Windsor Castle in 2023, but with a different headpiece.
The Duchess of Edinburgh opted for a bold hat and long sleeved, high neck midi-dress in pale blue, with flared cuffs. Her headpiece was asymmetric in gradient shades of blue, featuring a rippled fabric structure down one side.
The VE Day service at Westminster Abbey took place at 12pm on Thursday 8 March and was broadcast live during BBC coverage. It is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
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