Kate Middleton honoured both royal tradition and her bond with the monarch as she kissed King Charles and dipped into a graceful curtsy outside Westminster Cathedral after the Duchess of Kent’s funeral.

In footage shared online, members of the Royal Family were seen gathering at the cathedral steps as they prepared to leave.

Kate Middleton performs a perfect curtsy to King Charles

Dressed in a striking black coat dress and matching hat with a netted veil, the Princess of Wales stood alongside Prince William and Duchess Sophie.

As King Charles’ car approached, Kate stepped forward to offer a kiss on both cheeks, followed by a deep curtsy.

“The Princess of Wales kisses and curtsies to the King as they depart Westminster Cathedral,” Royal editor Rebecca English wrote in her caption. The brief interaction immediately caught the attention of royal watchers online.

Fans praised Kate’s elegance and the visible warmth between her and the king.

“That family is EXTREMELY LUCKY to have her and that she stayed around!” One user wrote.

“I love how he opened his arms to her. Very sweet,” a second added.

“Catherine showing courtesy and respect, which is the traditional part of our monarchy,” another applauded her poise.

Many also praised her style, noting that her sheer black pantyhose and hat completed the look.

“Pure respect. Love her. Btw, those pantyhose completed the outfit. She looked stunning,” a fan gushed.

Kate accessorised with a Japanese pearl choker – a favourite of the late Queen Elizabeth II (Credit: Cover Images)

Kate Middleton rewears black dress to Duchess of Kent’s funeral

Meanwhile, the Princess of Wales chose to rewear a black Roland Mouret dress previously seen at Prince Philip’s funeral in 2021. But it was her accessories that carried the most significance.

Kate completed her look with a four-strand Japanese pearl choker with a central diamond clasp. The piece once belonged to Queen Elizabeth II and was also worn by Princess Diana. The necklace was originally gifted to the late queen during her 1975 state visit to Japan. It was later transformed into the multi-strand design by royal jewellers Garrard.

The princess has previously worn the striking choker for major royal moments, including the funerals of both Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, and their’s 70th wedding anniversary celebration.

Pearls have long been associated with royal mourning traditions. As far back as Queen Victoria’s era, pearls were worn to symbolise grief and reflection following personal loss.

Kate also wore drop pearl earrings, a black pillbox hat with a veil, black tights and pumps, and carried a classic Chanel quilted handbag.

As she and Prince William arrived at Westminster Cathedral, they joined King Charles and other senior royals for a Catholic requiem mass, the first of its kind for a royal in modern British history.

Queen Camilla was absent, having pulled out at the last minute due to acute sinusitis.

The Duchess of Kent passed away on September 4 (Credit: Photo by Colorsport/Shutterstock)

Tributes pay tribute to Duchess of Kent

Katharine, Duchess of Kent, passed away peacefully at the age of 92 at her Kensington Palace home earlier this month.

She was the wife of Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, a cousin of Queen Elizabeth II. The Duchess was widely respected for her compassion and decades-long dedication to music and charitable causes.

The Prince and Princess of Wales previously paid tribute to her in a personal message.

“The Duchess worked tirelessly to help others and supported many causes, including through her love of music,” they wrote. “She will be a much missed member of the family.”

The Duchess of Kent shared a personal connection with both William and Kate through their mutual love of tennis.

She famously comforted Wimbledon finalist Jana Novotná in 1993 after a heartbreaking loss and was often seen at the tournament, which is now one of Kate’s key patronages as royal figurehead of the All England Club.

She also attended William and Kate’s royal wedding in 2011, despite having stepped back from public life in the early 2000s.

Following the emotional service, the Duchess’s coffin was transported to the Royal Burial Ground at Frogmore in Windsor. She now rests among other notable royals.

Read more: Prince Andrew attends Duchess of Kent’s funeral alongside Kate Middleton and Prince William