This weekend marked Anzac Day (Saturday 25 April) which commemorates those in the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who gave their lives in service. The occasion is always a significant moment of remembrance which the Royal Family attend, and this year it was the Princess of Wales and Princess Anne who led key events.

Princess Anne was front and centre at the dawn service at Hyde Park Corner in front of Wellington Arch, where she signed a book of remembrance and laid a wreath in honour of those lost. Meanwhile, The Princess of Wales was at the Cenotaph to lay a wreath there, in addition to attending a special service in Westminster Abbey. In a pair of posts on her official Instagram account, Kate praised the 'the courage, sacrifice and spirit of all the Australians and New Zealanders who served and continue to serve the Armed Forces' and who have 'given so much'.

london, england april 25: princess anne, princess royal prepares to sign a book of remembrance during the anzac day dawn service at wellington arch, hyde park corner as part of the anzac day commemorations on april 25, 2026 in london, england. anzac day commemorates australian and new zealander military service members, originally those of the australian and new zealand army corps (anzac) who served in the gallipoli campaign of world war i. (photo by jack taylor/getty images)
Jack Taylor
london, england april 25: princess anne, princess royal lays a wreath during the anzac day dawn service at wellington arch, hyde park corner as part of the anzac day commemorations on april 25, 2026 in london, england. anzac day commemorates australian and new zealander military service members, originally those of the australian and new zealand army corps (anzac) who served in the gallipoli campaign of world war i. (photo by jack taylor/getty images)
Jack Taylor
britains catherine, princess of wales lays a wreath during a service to commemorate anzac day at the cenotaph war memorial in central london on april 25, 2026. anzac day commemorates australian and new zealand casualties and veterans of conflicts and marks the anniversary of the landings in the dardanelles on april 25, 1915 that would signal the start of the gallipoli campaign during the first world war. (photo by justin tallis / afp via getty images)
JUSTIN TALLIS
london, england april 25: catherine, princess of wales leaves after attending the service of commemoration and thanksgiving at westminster abbey as part of the anzac day commemorations on april 25, 2026 in london, england. (photo by jeff moore wpa pool/getty images)
WPA Pool

For the occasion, The Princess of Wales wore a navy blue ensemble, including a matching headpiece which she wore atop a cascade of soft curls. Included in her look was a nod to another significant female figure of the Royal Family; the late Princess Diana. Kate brought out the blue of her midi-skirt and blazer ensemble with her late mother-in-law's sapphire earrings. The sapphire and diamond droplet earrings match her necklace and, of course, Kate's iconic engagement ring which also belonged to Princess Diana.

london, england april 25: (embargoed for publication in uk newspapers until 24 hours after create date and time) catherine, princess of wales attends the anzac day service of commemoration and thanksgiving at westminster abbey on april 25, 2026 in london, england. anzac day is the national day of remembrance in australia and new zealand marking the anniversary of the anzac (australian and new zealand army corps) landings at gallipoli in 1916 during the first world war and commemorates all australians and new zealanders who have lost their lives in conflict. (photo by max mumby/indigo/getty images)
Max Mumby/Indigo
london, england april 25: catherine, princess of wales departs after attending the service of commemoration and thanksgiving at westminster abbey as part of the anzac day commemorations on april 25, 2026 in london, england. (photo by karwai tang/wireimage)
Karwai Tang

Over the years, the Princess of Wales has progressed from her earliest public engagements when she accompanied Prince William, to becoming a fully fledged senior royal attending events - not just as a key figure of support, but as the sole representative of the Royal Family. Kate leading events solo, particularly important historical events such as Anzac Day, demonstrate the high level of trust and responsibility she has earned, as she prepares to one day become Queen.

london, england april 25: catherine, princess of wales departs after attending the service of commemoration and thanksgiving at westminster abbey as part of the anzac day commemorations on april 25, 2026 in london, england. (photo by karwai tang/wireimage)
Karwai Tang

Outside of Westminster Abbey, Kate could be seen in a sweet exchange with a pair of school children who chatted shyly to the Princess. The Anzac Day services were attended by a number of former and serving servicemen and women, wearing dress uniform and commemorative poppies.