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The Princess Wears Alessandra Rich for VE Day Service of Thanksgiving

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The Princess Wears Alessandra Rich for VE Day Service of Thanksgiving

The Princess of Wales wore Alessandra Rich for today’s VE Day 80 Service of Thanksgiving. 

A quick video via Westminster Abbey shows the Prince and Princess arriving.  

Below, the King and Queen as they arrived at Westminster Abbey.

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh. 

Princess Anne and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence. 

The Gloucesters. 
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Commemorations have been held throughout the week. Below, a dramatic scene from the Tower of London, where 30,000+ ceramic poppies have been installed.

The display shows nearly 30,000 of the original poppies that were made for the 2014 installation, Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red, marking the sacrifices made by so many during the Second World War. A need release notes, “The specially commissioned installation resembles a ‘wound’ at the heart of the Tower, which was itself bombed during the Blitz. Below, the scene in daylight.

Buildings were illuminated to mark the occasion. This is the Ministry of Defence Head Office in Whitehall.

Returning to Westminster Abbey and today’s events, here you see veterans arriving at the Abbey ahead of the service.

78 veterans of the Second World War attended today’s service. 
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MPs and Peers walking in procession to the Abbey .
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Another World War II veteran at today’s service. 
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Veterans of the Second World War were given a single white rose. 
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At noon, there was a two-minute period of silence across the UK. 

The King and Prince of Wales placed wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior.

More from The Guardian’s coverage.

The king, on behalf of the nation and Commonwealth, placed a wreath on the tomb of the Unknown Warrior, with the message: “We will never forget.” The Prince of Wales followed with a wreath on behalf of veterans and the second world war generation. The tributes comprised seasonal flowers that would have been in bloom 80 years ago, including pink, white and peach roses.

The Prince of Wales placing the second wreath at the Tomb. 

The message on the card accompanying the wreath placed by the Prince of Wales. 

The Queen and Princess of Wales. 

Members of the Royal Family after they were seated. 

We return to The Guardian’s coverage. 

Inside the abbey, it was the veterans who were honoured, by a congregation of royalty, politicians and military. Some in wheelchairs, others leaning heavily on sticks, they were presented with white roses, signifying peace, handed to them by six young people. It was a reminder that as time continues to claim first-hand witnesses to the war, the younger generation will shoulder responsibility for remembrance. 

Sir Winston Churchill’s ten-year-old great-great-grandson, Alexander Churchill, lit a candle of peace. 

A brief video. 

More from The Telegraph’s piece by Hannah Furness.  

After completing his task, the youngster, dressed in a suit and tie, stood proudly with his hands clasped and smiled at the Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, Dean of Westminster, who mouthed: “Well done.”

After the service, members of the Royal Family spoke with veterans. 

The Princess with a veteran. 

Another image of the King. 
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And one more of the Princess. 

As they exited the church, women of the royal family were given flowers.  

The Princess.

More on the flowers via this Daily Mirror story. 

The blooms were picked yesterday within the walls of Windsor Castle and the surrounding estate. They included rosemary for remembrance, oak for endurance and bluebells, which traditionally represent gratitude.

The bouquets were then placed at the Abbey’s Innocent Victims’ Memorial, created to “…remember civilians, men, women and children, who have suffered death, torture and oppression throughout the world.”

The Queen places her flowers at the memorial. 
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The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh.
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Princess Anne places her bouquet on the memorial.The Gloucesters. 
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People gathered outside the Abbey after the service. Here you see Alexander Churchill with John Morris, age 103.

Mr. Morris is the last surviving member of the Raiding Support Regiment (RSR), an offshoot of the Special Air Service.

Now for our look at what Kate wore for the service. We begin with her Alessandra Rich dress, first noted at Order of the Garter ceremonies in 2023. The dress, customized for the Princess, is 100% silk and features a high neck, padded shoulders, pleating, a deep back vent, and a concealed back zipper.

Here you see an off-the-rack version of the style, shown as it was stocked at Cettire (sold out). 

The Princess’s hair was styled in an elaborate updo.

Some of you may have recognized the hat by milliner Juliette Botterill, the Flower and Feather Teardrop style. As the name suggests, the style features a teardrop-shaped base with feathers and flowers. The design was initially worn on Remembrance Sunday 2024. The Princess had a birdcage mourning veil added to her hat.

The Princess brought back her Ralph Lauren Celia Pumps ($750), first noted in September 2020. 

And she repeated her handbag by DeMellier London, the British accessory maker’s Nano Montreal style ($450). The bag measures 7″ x 6″  and has a tubular top handle; it also comes with a removable/adjustable cross-body strap.

This is not as thorough a post as I usually like to do, but I have an appointment that couldn’t be moved this afternoon. I will see you later for another post as the Prince and Princess join the King and Queen at tonight’s VE Day 80: A Celebration to Remember concert at Horse Guards Parade. I’ll leave you with one more photo from the Abbey.

VIDEOS: 

The late Queen’s recollections of VE Day in 1945.

The Royal Family Channel covers the wreath-laying at the Abbey. 

The Royal Family Channel also offers coverage of Royal Familymembers departing after the service. 

 

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Emilie

Saturday 10th of May 2025

Beautifully done post about the event, the people and the fashions. Catherine looks lovely as usual, very chic hair style too. I loved, loved the outfit when she wore it for Order of the Garter, especially with those shoes and hat. The brown shoes and purse weren’t my favorite this time around, but Catherine is healthy, and that’s really what matters, not her trying something new.

Spruha

Friday 9th of May 2025

The PoW looks great, but the sartorial winner today has to be the Queen!

Kate

Friday 9th of May 2025

The PoW looks stunning!

Debs

Friday 9th of May 2025

What a moving service to watch , especially when the royal were exiting , they spent so much time with individual veterans that their staff had to hurry them along as the congregation were stuck in their seats waiting to leave .

I thought Catherine looked both regal and elegant , my only concern was that she might be freezing , as there was a strong cold wind that even wrapped William’s trousers around his legs !

I am often less than enchanted by the Queen’s choice of outfits , but this one was a winner from head to toe , very smart and well put together . Princess Anne was Princess Anne from head to toe , timeless and regal . Didn’t like Sophie’s outfit as a whole , just thought she was dressed for the wrong event , Ascot or a garden party perhaps ? The Duchess of Gloucester in my opinion never puts a foot wrong , she is so well groomed from head to toe , what a role model for those of us of senior years and she is beautiful to boot !

I have to end by saying Prince William really stood out for me , he has come into his own and embraced his destiny in the last few very difficult years and cuts an impressive figure in all he does . It must be very reassuring for His Majesty .

molly

Friday 9th of May 2025

This year is set to be a celebration of rewears, a fitting choice given the time we missed seeing Catherine due to her illness. The significance of rewearing and sustainability in fashion should be recognized and appreciated. Catherine’s wardrobe, meticulously curated by a team of specialists, serves as a reminder of the importance of selecting garments made from high-quality fabrics—pieces that withstand the test of time rather than contributing to landfill.

While Catherine’s budget may be considerably larger than most, her decision to rewear an outfit sets an excellent example. With her extensive and already stunning wardrobe, there is little expectation for new garments. Of course, there will be moments suited to unveiling a spectacular new piece, which will surely be admired when the time comes.

This event, however, is centered on commemorating freedom and honoring the dedication of those involved. In this context, fashion should complement rather than overshadow the significance of the occasion. The silk dress embodies grace and understated elegance, with its color harmonizing beautifully with the event’s theme. The hat—a delicate composition of netting and flowers atop a refined headpiece—adds a touch of timeless glamour.

As for the shoes, they continue to spark discussion. While black might have overpowered the soft, ethereal nature of the silk dress, the choice of tan provides a neutral contrast that subtly enhances the overall ensemble without drawing undue attention.

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