Queen Camilla made a striking appearance in a vibrant pink ensemble at the UK’s national memorial service commemorating the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings on Wednesday.
The 76 year old royal’s choice of attire stood out amidst a crowd of dark suits and military uniforms, as she paid her respects alongside King Charles and Prince William.
Typically, members of the Royal family opt for black or other dark shades during remembrance services, such as the annual wreath-laying ceremony at the Cenotaph to honour fallen soldiers. However, Camilla’s bold fashion choice carried two poignant meanings.
As part of the memorial events, King Charles, Queen Camilla, and Prince William will travel to Normandy, France, on Thursday to continue commemorating the D-Day landings that altered the course of history and contributed to the Allied victory in World War II.
It is believed that the Queen’s pink outfit was a subtle tribute to France, as it was the same ensemble she wore during her state visit to the country last year.
Queen Camilla was seen in a striking pink Fiona Clare coat dress and matching Philip Treacy beret at a memorial service on Wednesday. This ensemble was first worn by her during a visit to France last September with her husband, King Charles, where they met President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte.
The senior royal completed the look with the same four-strand pearl necklace featuring a diamond clasp, reports the Mirror.
The decision to re-wear this outfit for such a significant event is seen as a nod to her previous connection with France and the ongoing close relationship between the UK and the European nation.
Moreover, the choice of a vibrant pink outfit aligns with the late Queen Elizabeth’s practice of wearing bright colours at large-scale events to stand out and be easily visible to the public.
While the Duchess’s pink outfit may have initially surprised Royal enthusiasts, she wasn’t the only guest to opt for this summery shade at the Portsmouth-based service.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak‘s wife, Akshata Murty, also donned pale pink, while ‘Call the Midwife’ actress Helen George chose a much brighter hot pink dress for her stage performance.
Despite her colourful attire, throughout the service the Queen was visibly emotional, as she, alongside King Charles and Prince William, paid tribute to the veterans of World War II, whose valiant efforts played a pivotal role in defeating the Nazis.
In addition, during a candid moment following the service, Prince William revealed a minor detail about his wife, Kate Middleton’s recovery from cancer. When a veteran enquired about her health, he replied: “She’d have loved to be here.”
