Hofdame Note: While we are waiting for the Commonwealth photos, catch up on the Jordanian royal wedding by visiting our other post.
Schedule of Activities
The King, Queen, Prince and Princess of Wales, and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh will be present the Commonwealth service today at Westminster Abbey. The service will be broadcast live on BBC One at 2 p.m. GMT. I’m sure we’ll see official photos of the arrivals quickly – it is the British royals after all – and we’ll update the update the post as we can. The service will last 90 minutes.
After the service, the King and Queen will host the annual Commonwealth Day reception at Buckingham Palace. They will greet the Commonwealth Secretary-General, High Commissioners, Foreign Affairs Ministers and other members of the Commonwealth community.
Tomorrow, 56 member countries will come together to mark #CommonwealthDay under the theme: ‘Forging a sustainable and peaceful common future' 🕊️
Learn more about #Commonwealth Day 2023 👉🏿: https://t.co/8PTOVjB7ke @RoyalCWSociety | @RoyalFamily pic.twitter.com/DjOxwsSrWa
— The Commonwealth (@commonwealthsec) March 12, 2023
The Service
The King and Queen have arrived! Camilla has surprised us by breaking with her purple tradition and opting for a Fiona Clare in blue. All the better to show off the Russian Sapphire Cluster brooch, right?
The Prince and Princess of Wales are a bit of a surprise here, at least the Princess is. She is wearing Erdem, a favorite designer, but not one who you usually see in a suited configuration. She looks to be sporting the Princess of Wales feather brooch as well.
Princess Anne heard that you didn’t want to see boots today, and she did the Anne thing and wore them anyway. However, I think these are good boots! The hat we know is a rewear (probably a many time rewear). Her brooch location is giving me a real lift here.
And, yes, Commander Tim was there in support, too.
The newly minted Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh arrived, looking very happy as well they should! Sophster is by far my favorite today in a strong field. She is wearing a lovely white/cream coat by Proenza Schouler (H/T to Remoulade Sauce on Twitter) and a great Jane Taylor pillbox hat. By now everyone has spotted her wedding earrings.
The Reception
The Princess of Wales was not able to attend the reception, but the rest of the family was there in force to support the King. The women have changed clothing: Camilla is wearing a dress with a white bib front, Sophie has opted for her Roksanda bow neckline dress (last worn on the Caribbean tour), and Anne is wearing a deep brown/burgundy/plum (I can’t decide), and she’s moved her brooch to her dress. Also, pearl sighting!
The King and Queen Consort are hosting a Buckingham Palace reception for the Commonwealth Secretary General, high commissioners, and other representatives of the 56-nation association. No Princess of Wales there tonight, though she was billed to be there, wrongly apparently. pic.twitter.com/1h3Cnx0150
— Richard Palmer (@RoyalReporter) March 13, 2023
