The Prince and Princess of Wales joined other senior royals at Westminster Abbey for a ceremony celebrating the enduring spirit of the Commonwealth family.
On March 10, 2025, during the Commonwealth Day service, King Charles III warmly embraced his eldest son, Prince William, greeting him with a kiss on the cheek. However, no such exchange occurred between the monarch and Princess Catherine, sparking speculations online.
A circulating clip captures the moment, showing Charles turning his back on Catherine after greeting William. Following his interaction with his father, William proceeded to greet Queen Camilla while the King appeared to move on, standing in line without acknowledging his daughter-in-law.
However, Princess Catherine appeared unbothered by Charles’s actions. She maintained a warm smile and stood poised in line, ready for the start of the ceremony. Still, some viewers couldn’t help but notice the awkward exchange between Charles and Catherine, and they didn’t hold back their thoughts.
One person pointed out, “Honestly, Charles doesn’t look like he even cares much for Williams [sic] greeting. That whole little moment is kinda uncomfortable to watch.” Another was more direct, stating, “He totally ignored her.”
According to one fan, this occurrence wasn’t an isolated incident. The fan claimed, “This isn’t the first time he has snubbed Kate Middleton.”
Someone else concurred, focusing on the body language, “The kings has his back turned again [sic].” And one shocked viewer wondered, “Did Charles not care to look at Catherine? Not even a blown kiss?”
Not everyone was quick to judge as one individual speculated, “Maybe he is sicker than we are allowed to know and she did not want to give him her germs. Unless the king was getting kissed by all and sundry, i think this is an indication about how sick he really is [sic].”
One more fan pointed out that Charles not acknowledging Catherine may have been unintentional, as the greetings occurred when the royals were busy lining up for the cathedral procession.
Last year, Catherine and King Charles III missed the Commonwealth Day service, a significant event in the royal calendar, after being diagnosed with cancer. This time, they were both in attendance.
At the significant annual royal engagement, the Princess of Wales stepped out in a refined ensemble accented by a treasured royal pearl necklace.
She wore a tailored red coatdress with a structured silhouette and a statement bow detail at the neckline. The coat featured a fitted bodice and flared hem, creating a polished and regal look. She paired the outfit with a matching red pillbox hat, which sat elegantly atop her styled brunette hair.
For accessories, Catherine opted for a pearl necklace with a diamond clasp, a piece she has worn at several high-profile events. She complemented the jewelry with matching pearl drop earrings.
She carried a red clutch and a bouquet of pink and white flowers, adding a delicate touch to her ensemble. Red suede pumps completed her look, coordinating seamlessly with her outfit.
Following her appearance, netizens shared their opinions on her outfit. Some praised her choice of color, while others focused on her jewelry selection.
One person commented, “I’m not a fan of this look. The necklace doesn’t really go with the hat or the coat and together they make it look like she’s wearing a costume for a fancy dress.”
Another one wrote, “I am so tired of this Pearl necklace it’s ugly and gaudy and she wears it to all the big events Royal Vault it so big and yet Kate wears this thing every single time it’s so frustrating [sic].”
Some took issue with the combination of accessories, with one stating, “The bow and necklace combo is bad — They’re competing for attention and it’s just too much [sic].”
Others appreciated her outfit but had mixed feelings about specific elements. “I was going to say that I love the look and she looks great, but I don’t like the necklace with this outfit at all,” a commenter noted.
Some viewers pointed out a possible symbolic choice in her outfit. “She looks lovely in red. Was hoping she might do a rewear of a coat from her early days or try a different color. But love the nod to Canada [sic],” one netizen shared.
Another person added, “Look at the back of the hat [sic] Definitely a nod to Canada.” Another fan wrote, “Absolutely [sic] I have no doubt at all that she is sending that message.”
Despite some criticism, others remained consistent in their admiration for her choice of color. “As always, love red on her! BUT this necklace is my nemesis. Never goes with anything she’s wearing and is particularly baffling with that giant bow [sic],” one person remarked.
Another commenter humorously pleaded for a change in accessories, saying, “This dress was not on my bingo card. Kate, please get a new pearl necklace, I’m begging you.”
The Princess of Wales’ ensemble was designed with classic sophistication in mind. Her coatdress, named “Beau Tie,” was crafted by Catherine Walker & Co., a longtime favorite of the royal.
The design, made from wool crepe, featured pleats that elegantly flowed from the shoulders, forming a structured bow at the neckline.
Adding to the polished aesthetic, she wore a custom hat by Gina Foster Millinery, as confirmed by the designer’s Instagram post.
The red pillbox-style hat was described as “neat and classic,” with the post noting that Catherine was “giving Jackie O vibes” in her refined look.
Her choice of jewelry also carried historical significance. She accessorized with a four-strand pearl choker featuring a diamond clasp — a piece that once belonged to Queen Elizabeth II.
The late monarch famously wore the necklace at a royal engagement in Bangladesh in 1983, pairing it with “Granny’s Tiara” and a shimmering magenta gown.
The same necklace was later worn by Princess Diana at a state banquet at Hampton Court Palace in 1982, where she paired it with the sash of the House Order of Orange, gifted to her by Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands.
Catherine herself has worn the choker on multiple occasions. In 2017, she donned the piece at Windsor Castle for Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip’s 70th wedding anniversary dinner, where she was seen in an elegant black lace gown.
Another notable appearance of the choker was at the Scottish national service of thanksgiving and dedication for Charles and Queen Camilla in July 2023, where she complemented it with a deep burgundy ensemble.
More recently, she paired the necklace with her Bahrain Pearl Drop Earrings for the ceremonial welcome of the Amir of Qatar in December 2024.
Originally commissioned by Queen Elizabeth II in the 1970s, the choker was designed using pearls gifted to her by Japan. While the late monarch debuted it in the early 1980s, it has since become one of the most recognizable pieces in the royal jewelry collection, having been loaned to both Diana and Catherine.
The Commonwealth Day service, held annually at Westminster Abbey, brings together representatives from the 56 member nations to celebrate their shared commitment to development, democracy, and peace.
Ahead of the occasion, the Royal Family shared an Instagram post emphasizing the significance of the day. “Tomorrow is Commonwealth Day: a day to celebrate the 56 nations of the Commonwealth who work together on shared goals like development, democracy, and peace,” the post read.
In his annual address, Charles highlighted the strength of unity within the Commonwealth, stating, “In these uncertain times, where it is all too easy to believe that our differences are problems instead of a source of strength and an opportunity for learning, the Commonwealth’s remarkable collection of nations and peoples come together in the spirit of support and, crucially, friendship.”
The service at Westminster Abbey was attended by senior members of the Royal Family, including the King and Queen, the Prince and Princess of Wales, the Princess Royal, and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.
This year’s theme, “Together We Thrive,” highlighted the importance of fostering strong and connected communities across the Commonwealth.