Kate, Duchess of Cambridge's, outfit pays homage to Commonwealth at landmark celebration

The Duchess and her husband, Prince William, attended the service along with the Queen, the Prince of Wales, Duchess of Cornwall, Duke and Duchess of Sussex and the Duke of York. On March 11 each year the historic union is marked with Commonwealth Day, this year the occasion takes on a special significance as 2019 marks the 70th anniversary of the modern Commonwealth. A total of 53 countries and almost 2.4 billion people are a part of the historic global network.

The royal couple arrived at the Abbey shortly after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

The Duchess of Cambridge originally wore the poppy red dress when she stepped off the plane in New Zealand in 2014.

On both occasions, she matched the Catherine Walker dress with a Gina Foster pillbox hat.

New Zealand was a founding member of the original Commonwealth back in 1931, before the network was expanded to form the modern Commonwealth in 1949.

Arriving at the Abbey the Duke and Duchess greeted the dignitaries.

Among those meeting the royals at the door were Prime Minister Theresa May and Commonwealth Secretary-General, Patricia Scotland.

The theme for this year’s service is “A Connected Commonwealth” which highlights the co-operation between the culturally diverse family of nations who work together in friendship.

Highlights of the service include performances by Grammy-winning group Clean Bandit and tenor Alfie Boe.

The Queen, who is head of the Commonwealth, says in her message: “In April last year, I welcomed the leaders of our 53 nations to Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, and we all witnessed how the Commonwealth vision offers hope, and inspires us to find ways of protecting our planet, and our people.

“We are able to look to the future with greater confidence and optimism as a result of the links that we share, and thanks to the networks of co-operation and mutual support to which we contribute, and on which we draw.

“With enduring commitment through times of great change, successive generations have demonstrated that whilst the goodwill for which the Commonwealth is renowned may be intangible, its impact is very real.”

More to follow…