Kate Middleton seen for the first time since the Queen’s death
Kate Middleton – the newly crowned Princess of Wales – has been seen for the first time since the Queen’s death, and a hidden detail in her outfit says everything.
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Kate Middleton – the newly crowned Princess of Wales – has been seen for the first time since the Queen’s death.
The 40-year-old Duchess of Cambridge, who did not join husband Prince William to travel to Balmoral in Scotland on Thursday, local time, was photographed doing the school run in Windsor to pick up her three children.
It’s understood Kate remained at the couple’s new home at Adelaide Cottage to be with Prince George, 9, Princess Charlotte, 7, and Prince Louis, 4, who this week had their first day at Lambrook School.
Kate, who it was announced by King Charles III in a TV broadcast overnight would take on the title of Princess of Wales, appeared sombre wearing an all-black outfit and a pair of black sunglasses on Friday, local time.
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She was also seen wearing a pair of pearl earrings, as per royal tradition in times of mourning.
Pearls are often referred to as “mourning jewellery” and are thought to be symbolic of tears, with the tradition dating back to Queen Victoria’s reign in the 1800s.
The tradition has carried on in the royal family ever since, and most recently, senior royals donned pearls at the funeral of the Queen’s husband, Prince Philip, in April 2021.
Prince William and Kate are yet to officially comment on the Queen’s death. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are also yet to make a statement.
Harry, 37, was sighted leaving Balmoral to return to London last night to reunite with his wife Meghan, 41, who stayed behind while her husband dashed to Scotland to join his family upon news of the monarch’s death on Thursday afternoon, local time.
It comes as Charles, who immediately became King Charles III after Queen Elizabeth II’s death aged 96, appeared in an emotional TV broadcast overnight.
The new King spoke in a prerecorded message broadcast in the UK at 6pm, Friday (3am, Saturday AEDT) on Friday – the first full day of his reign, in which he bestowed William and Kate with new titles.
“As my heir, William now assumes the Scottish titles which have meant so much to me,” the King said.
“He succeeds me as Duke of Cornwall and takes on the responsibilities for the Duchy of Cornwall which I have undertaken for more than five decades.
“Today, I am proud to create him Prince of Wales, Tywysog Cymru (the Welsh language version of the title), the country whose title I have been so greatly privileged to bear during so much of my life and duty.
“With Catherine beside him, our new Prince and Princess of Wales will, I know, continue to inspire and lead our national conversations, helping to bring the marginal to the centre ground where vital help can be given.”
It would be the first time the title has been used since the death of William’s mother Diana in 1997.
Elsewhere in his address, King Charles, 73, said the “affection, admiration and respect” the Queen showed became the “hallmark of her reign”.
“And, as every member of my family can testify, she combined these qualities with warmth, humour and an unerring ability always to see the best in people,” he continued.
Appearing in a black suit and tie, he spoke of his “profound sorrow” at having lost his mother, and described her as an “inspiration and an example to me and to all my family.”
“Alongside the personal grief, that all my family are feeling, we also share with so many of you in the United Kingdom, in all the countries where the Queen was head of state, in the Commonwealth and across the world, a deep sense of gratitude for which my mother has served the people of so many nations,” he said.
Charles added: “She made sacrifices to choose for duty, her dedication and devotion as sovereign never wavered through times of change and progress, through times of joy and celebration, and through times of sadness and loss.
“I know that her death brings great sadness to so many.”
The speech also saw the King pledge his duty as his mother’s successor.
“As the Queen herself did with such unswerving devotion, I too now solemnly pledge myself throughout the remaining time God grants me to uphold the constitutional principles at the heart of our nation.”
“And wherever you may live in the UK, or in the realms and territories across the world, and whatever may be your background or beliefs, I shall endeavour to serve you with loyalty, respect and love. As I have throughout my life.”
The UK has begun a 10-day mourning period, with the Queen’s body taken to the throne room of Buckingham Palace yesterday.
In a few days time, her coffin will be moved to Westminster Abbey for the public to pay their respects for 23 hours a day from day six to day nine of the mourning period, after which she will be given a full state farewell, led by the Archbishop of Canterbury, on day 10.
At the funeral, the nation will begin by sitting for two minutes’ silence at 12pm, local time (9am AEDT).
Afterwards, focus moves to Windsor where a committal service will take place at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle.
A burial will follow in the castle’s King George VI Memorial Chapel.
Originally published as Kate Middleton seen for the first time since the Queen’s death
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