By Stephanie Linning For Mailonline
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The Duchess of Cornwall paid tribute to the Queen with her choice of outfit as she joined members of the Royal Family at the Commonwealth Day service yesterday.
Camilla, 74, stepped out in a favourite purple coat dress and matching hat, echoing the vibrant ensemble worn by her mother-in-law to the same event in 2019.
It marked Camilla’s first major royal engagement since The Queen issued her seal of approval for the duchess to use the title of Queen Consort when her husband, Prince Charles, becomes King.
The Queen, 95, who has recently recovered from coronavirus and has been experiencing mobility issues, had hoped to attend in person but asked her son Charles to represent her at the service after discussing arrangements with members of the Royal Household.
Ensuring the comfort of the monarch, who now regularly uses a stick, is thought to have been an overriding consideration in her decision not to take part.
Yet Camilla made sure the Queen’s signature style at least was present by choosing to wear one of Her Majesty’s favourite colours. The Queen even has a similar hat and brooches.
Purple reign! The Duchess of Cornwall paid tribute to the Queen with her choice of outfit as she joined members of the Royal Family at the Commonwealth Day service yesterday (right). Camilla, 74, stepped out in a favourite purple coat dress and matching hat, echoing the vibrant ensemble worn by her mother-in-law in 2019 (left). The Queen missed yesterday’s event
Paying tribute: Camilla made sure the Queen’s signature style at least was present by choosing to wear one of Her Majesty’s favourite colours. The Queen even has a similar hat and brooches
She opted for a head-to-toe monochrome look, a popular styling technique for members of the Royal Family.
Wearing a single, eye-catching colour helps the royals stand out in busy, crowded venues, like Westminster Abbey.
The Queen and the Duchess of Cornwall often co-ordinate their outfits for the annual event, an important date in the royal calendar, and have worn shades of purple on previous occasions.
The last time the Queen and Camilla both attended the Commonwealth Day service was in 2020, which also marked the last joint official royal engagement by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
On that occasion they both wore outfits in complementary shades of blue. Last year’s service was cancelled due to the pandemic.
Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall were given a warm greeting by Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge on their arrival at Westminster Abbey.
2020: The last time the Queen and Camilla both attended the Commonwealth Day service was in 2020, which also marked the last joint official royal engagement by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. On that occasion they both wore outfits in complementary shades of blue, pictured
2019: The Queen and the Duchess of Cornwall often co-ordinate their outfits for the annual event, an important date in the royal calendar, and have worn shades of purple on previous occasions. Pictured, in matching purple at the Commonwealth Day service in 2019
According to expert lip reader Jacqui Press, the group of four expressed sweet words to one another with Camilla telling William ‘thank you’ lovely’ and ‘oh wow’.
She added that Charles told Kate: ‘We could come and see you that Saturday, we are not around that evening.’
The group were meeting to celebrate the 54 member states of the Commonwealth at an annual service which was missed by the Queen.
Her Majesty had earlier said she hoped the Commonwealth ‘remains an influential force for good in our world for many generations to come’ as she renewed her promise made in 1947 to ‘always be devoted in service’.
Family event: Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall were given a warm greeting by Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge on their arrival at Westminster Abbey yesterday
Royal blue! The Duchess of Cambridge looked radiant in bespoke Catherine Walker for the event
The head of state’s Commonwealth Day Message was issued by Buckingham Palace ahead of the annual service.
The Duchess of Cambridge opted for a coat dress by trusted designer Catherine Walker that was created especially for the occasion.
The design features incredibly neat tailoring, a longer length and a luxe velvet collar. It also boasts sharp shoulders and angular pockets that accentuate the crisp silhouette.
The Cambridges were followed by Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall. Camilla, 74, looked elegant in a vibrant purple coat dress and eye-catching matching hat.
Published by Associated Newspapers Ltd
Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group