Duty came first yesterday, as three senior royals put their health battles behind them to prioritise the crown.
A state visit is a glamorous royal occasion and members of the Royal Family are more than aware of the important diplomatic role that they hold
While it is no surprise that the workaholic King continues to put his best foot forward and immerse himself into the public-facing aspect of his role despite his ongoing cancer treatment, it was a testament to their devotion to duty that the Queen and the Princess of Wales were there to support him.
Kate, 42, has attended only a handful of events this year, following her major abdominal surgery and subsequent cancer diagnosis.
But since she revealed that she completed her chemotherapy in September, the Princess has attended several engagements, including two events on Remembrance weekend.
She is gradually returning to royal duties and we’ll next see her on Friday when she attends her annual Christmas Carol Service at Westminster Abbey.
After that, her next public outing will likely be on Christmas Day, when she joins members of the Royal Family for the traditional walkabout to St Mary Magdalene’s church on the Sandringham Estate.
Though sources suggest she is hoping to attend the annual pre-Christmas lunch at Windsor Castle, held for the extended family the week before Christmas.
The Queen on the other hand was also steadfast in her determination to mark the state visit with her husband, despite being diagnosed with pneumonia.
She has had the nasty bug for a month and has pulled out of a number of scheduled events on doctors advice.
This included the ceremonial welcome at midday yesterday, which would have involved waiting outside in chilly temperatures for a prolonged period.
But she attended the indoor engagements, joining the royal party for lunch, the picture gallery exhibit and all but one of the components of the state banquet in the evening.
This year the Queen has been the King’s strength and stay, and even through her own illness she’s continued to be by her side as and when her doctors allow.
Though Kate and Camilla were raised outside Palace walls and have had to learn royal protocols and traditions over the years, they have taken their roles in their stride and their dedication to service would make the late Queen Elizabeth proud.
