An emotional Prince and Princess of Wales returned to royal duties on Tuesday to celebrate the life of Queen Elizabeth II on her 100th birthday.
William and Kate joined King Charles and Queen Camilla, who earlier viewed the designs for the late monarch’s memorial at the British Museum, for a reception in the Marble Hall at Buckingham Palace.
Also present were the Princess Royal, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, the Gloucesters, Princess Alexandra, and the Duke of Kent. The couple’s children, Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, who turns eight later this week, did not accompany them.
The Princess looked stunning in a light pink dress, with her brunette locks falling in waves. The couple looked solemn as they remembered William’s grandmother, with whom they shared a close bond.
Tuesday’s events mark their return to public duties after a three-week break for Easter, aside from attending church on Easter Sunday.
See the best royal photos from Tuesday’s outing below.
© Alamy Stock Photo
Prince William and Kate have returned to duties after a month away from the public eye due to the Easter holidays.
© Getty Images
Kate chatted with guests, wearing a stunning shade of lilac beloved by the late Queen.
© Getty Images
Kate accessorised with pearls, while her lilac dress gathered at the front.
Kate and the Queen also shared a mutual trust and respect for one another, and the monarch “looked out” for her when she joined the royal family in 2011 after marrying William.
“Right from the off, the Queen was really interested in Catherine as a person, and really interested in being able to support her and mentor her as well,” royal editor Russell Myers recalled in a recent interview.
© Alamy
They were also joined by centenarians who, like the late Queen, are celebrating their 100th birthday today.
The party enjoyed a slice of cake and received their special cards from King Charles in person.
© Getty Images
Royal mother-of-three Kate, 44, was as stylish as ever in a floaty pink gown.