Princess Kate makes solo sombre appearance on Anzac Day in London

The Princess of Wales laid a wreath at the Cenotaph, before attending a service of commemoration and thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey

he Princess of Wales made a solo appearance on Saturday to mark Anzac Day, an important time to commemorate all Australians and New Zealanders who have lost their lives in conflict and to recognise all those who have served.

Kate, wearing a navy coat dress, looked sombre and pensive as she arrived at the Cenotaph in central London to participate in a wreath-laying ceremony and parade. She was not joined by other members of the royal family, although Princess Anne had attended the dawn service at Wellington Arch, Hyde Park Corner in the early hours of the morning.

After she laid her wreath on behalf of her father-in-law King Charles, Kate walked to Westminster Abbey, where she also attended the service of commemoration and thanksgiving.

Anzac Day has been observed in London since King George V attended the first service at Westminster Abbey in 1916 to mark the anniversary of the landings at Gallipoli. Since then, it has become a time to honour Australians and New Zealanders who have died in conflict. Anzac Day is commemorated as a public holiday in both Australia and New Zealand, with memorial ceremonies held at various locations.

Earlier on Saturday, the royal family’s official Instagram account shared a poignant message that read: “Today is #ANZACDAY – which honours the members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who served and died in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.”

See photos from this year’s Anzac Day commemorations below…

High Commissioner for New Zealand, Hamish Cooper, and Princess Kate attend the wreath laying and parade service as part of the ANZAC Day commemorations at the Cenotaph © Getty Images

The Princess of Wales joined High Commissioner for New Zealand, Hamish Cooper, on Saturday morning for the wreath-laying and parade service.

Princess Kate sings as she attends the wreath laying and parade service as part of the ANZAC Day commemorations at the Cenotaph © Getty Images

During the service, Kate was pictured singing the hymn O God Our Help in Ages Past.

Princess Kate attends the wreath laying and parade service as part of the ANZAC Day commemorations at the Cenotaph © Getty Images

A closer look at the Princess’ elegant tailored outfit, which she paired with a red remembrance poppy.

Princess Kate bows her head during Anzac Day service © Getty Images

Kate joined the one-minute silence.

Princess Kate lays a wreath during a service to commemorate ANZAC day at the Cenotaph war memorial in central London © AFP via Getty Images

Kate laid a wreath on behalf of her father-in-law, the King.

The inscription written on a wreath by Britain's Catherine, Princess of Wales, is pictured following a service to commemorate ANZAC day at the Cenotaph war memorial in central London on April 25, 2026 © AFP via Getty Images

The note on the wreath, personally signed by William and Kate, read: “In memory of the New Zealand and Australian soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.”

Princess Kate attends the Anzac Day service in London © Andrew Parsons / Kensington Pala

The royal paid tribute to the fallen heroes.

High Commissioner for New Zealand Hamish Cooper, Catherine, Princess of Wales and High Commissioner for Australia Jay Weatherill attend the wreath laying and parade service as part of the ANZAC Day commemorations at Cenotaph © Getty Images

The Cenotaph is one of the most famous war memorials in the capital.

During the ceremony, a Royal Marines Portsmouth Road Band trumpeter played the last post and Reverend Dr Lyndon Drake recited from The Fallen by English poet Laurence Binyon: “They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; age shall not weary them nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.”

Lieutenant Francesca Hlavac, Royal New Zealand Navy, and Princess Kate attend the wreath laying and parade service as part of the ANZAC Day commemorations at Cenotaph © Getty Images

After the wreath-laying ceremony, Kate joined the parade as crowds watched on.

Princess Kate attends the wreath laying and parade service as part of the ANZAC Day commemorations at Cenotaph © Getty Images

Scores of people had stopped to take photos and witness the commemorations.

Princess Kate took part in the parade on Anzac Day © Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace

Kensington Palace shared this photo of the Princess during the parade.

Princess Kate and Reverend Mark Birch attend the service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving as part of the ANZAC Day commemorations at Westminster Abbey on April 25, 2026 in London © Getty Images

The Princess was then driven to Westminster Abbey, where she entered alongside Reverend Mark Birch.

Princess Kate attends a Service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving to commemorate ANZAC day at Westminster Abbey © POOL/AFP via Getty Images

The mother-of-three was all smiles as she arrived for the thanksgiving service.

The traditional church service incorporated an address from the Dean of Westminster, readings from the New Zealand and Australian High Commissioners, prayers read by children of each country, and a Māori waiata (song) performed by London-based Ngāti Rānana.

Princess Kate attends a Service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving to commemorate ANZAC day, at Westminster Abbey © POOL/AFP via Getty Images

While Kate attended the service in London, events were also held across New Zealand, Australia and on the Gallipoli peninsula in Turkey on Saturday morning.

The day was also marked in Villers-Bretonneux, a village in the Somme region of France, which Australian units helped defend during the First World War.

Princess Kate leaves after the service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving as part of the ANZAC Day commemorations at Westminster Abbey © Getty Images