Princess Kate gracefully skipped the star-studded royal event last week due to health reasons but didn’t let that dampen her commitment to a cause dear to her heart. The 42 year old Princess of Wales was noticeably absent from the Diplomatic Corps Reception, which King Charles hosted on Tuesday night.
Despite her consistent presence in the past, she remains sidelined from full royal duties while she recuperates from cancer.
The lavish affair welcomed ambassadors and high commissioners at Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms, with Prince William and Queen Camilla among the attendees who mingled with over 900 guests clad in their most luxurious attire.
Nonetheless, the resilient princess managed to host a low-profile gathering that morning for an initiative she champions, emphasizing her devotion to early childhood development. An update in the Court Circular, detailing royals’ engagements, disclosed Kate’s meeting with her Early Years team at Windsor Castle on November 19.
Marking her unwavering support for children’s formative years, the entry stated: “The Princess of Wales, Joint Patron, the Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales, this morning held an Early Years Meeting at Windsor Castle,” reports the Mirror.
This move is in line with her and William’s creation of the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood in 2021, aiming to promote the significant influence of a child’s early years.
Kate’s recent engagement occurred just hours before Charles, Camilla, and William attended the Diplomatic Corps Reception. The event was marked by Camilla donning the late Queen’s seldom-seen aquamarine and diamond tiara for the first time.
Meanwhile, William looked dapper in a white tie, complemented by his Order of the Garter blue sash and Lesser George badge. Among the attendees were foreign ambassadors and high commissioners based in the UK.
Typically held in early December as part of the Christmas festivities, this year’s reception was moved to November due to the King’s upcoming state visit from the Emir of Qatar in the first week of December. During the event, guests form a large greeting line, allowing easy interaction with members of the Royal Family.
Last week, Kate made several rare public appearances to commemorate Remembrance, including attending the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall and the Cenotaph service on Remembrance Sunday. These marked her first back-to-back public appearances this year following her cancer diagnosis and subsequent chemotherapy treatment.
However, her return to royal duties is being taken slowly. Instead, she’s focusing on organizing her annual Christmas Carol Concert at Westminster Abbey.
