Royal watchers were thrilled to see the Duchess’s return to duty. ‘It’s so lovely to see the Duchess. She looks beautiful, wonderful visit,’ commented one fan online. ‘Love her dress, very becoming and suits her perfectly. She looks so elegant.’
It comes as Buckingham Palace announces a series of celebrations to mark what would have been Queen Elizabeth II’s 100th birthday. King Charles is set to host a reception at the Palace for centenarians on 21 April, allowing them to receive their 100th birthday cards from the monarch himself. His Majesty will be joined by members of the royal family, perhaps including the Duchess of Edinburgh and her husband, Prince Edward.
On 20 April, King Charles and Queen Camilla will attend Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style, an exhibition at the King’s Gallery, the largest-ever display of the late Queen’s clothes ever mounted. The exhibition, which opened last week, features 200 pieces from Her Late Majesty’s wardrobe, ranging from tartan skirts and statement-making hats to her coronation and wedding gowns.
The following day, King Charles will join Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the British Museum, where they will be shown the final plans for a memorial to Queen Elizabeth II. Set to be built in St James’ Park, the tribute will include a bridge across the St James’ Park lake, with a design inspired by Queen Elizabeth’s wedding tiara. A new gate will honour her husband. Prince Philip, and a new ‘figurative sculpture’ will also be stationed next to The Mall.
The Duchess of Edinburgh is said to have enjoyed a particularly warm relationship with her mother-in-law, the late Queen, whom she often joined at Royal Ascot and on other royal engagements
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