Full Breakdown
Princess of Wales Honors ANZAC Day with Wreath, Handwritten Note and Diana-Inspired Ensemble
4/28/2026, 5:35:05 AM
ANZAC Day Service: Wreath, Handwritten Note and Solemn Attendance
On April 25, Kate Middleton laid a wreath at Cenotaph, attaching a handwritten note signed by her and Prince William. She then attended the Service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey, noting it honours Australian and New Zealand soldiers. Princess Anne attended the Dawn Service at Wellington Arch.
Historical Significance of ANZAC Day
ANZAC Day, observed on April 25, commemorates Australian and New Zealand Army Corps members who fell in war and marks the 1915 Gallipoli landings. The British royal family has regularly attended the remembrance ceremonies.
Key Participants and Groups
Key participants were Kate Middleton and Prince William (co-signers), Princess Anne, Dean of Westminster, Australian and New Zealand High Commissioners, Maori group Ngati Ranana, and designer Sarah Burton (for Alexander McQueen or Givenchy), echoing Princess Diana’s 1995 style.
Diana-Inspired Attire and Jewelry
Kate wore a coat dress with lapels, hat, pumps and poppy pin, accessorising with Princess Diana’s earrings echoing Diana’s 1995 suit. Reports credit the coat dress to Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen or to Givenchy.
Data & Statistics
The coat dress mirrors Diana’s 1995 suit. Diana’s sapphire-and-diamond earrings have become a staple for Kate. A tanzanite necklace has appeared three times, last in 2017. The handwritten note misspelled “Australian” as “Austrailian.”
Public Reaction to Handwritten Note
The note’s typo—“Austrailian”—prompted online commentary, with a royal watcher calling it “quite funny!” Media noted the slip as rare for a senior royal, though the sentiment was praised for its emotional sincerity.
Official Statements and Royal Perspectives
The household’s Twitter post affirmed ANZAC Day, noting it honours Australian and New Zealand soldiers. A source said Princess of Wales “appreciates the history associated with this role but will want to look to future creates her path.”
Conflicting Reports on the Designer
Sources differ on the coat dress’s origin: People and Hello! Magazine cite Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, while The Zoe Report and The Looker attribute it to Givenchy, also designed by Sarah Burton.
Impact and Significance
The wreath and note highlight the royal family’s dedication to ANZAC remembrance, strengthening ties with Australia and New Zealand. Kate’s fashion nod to Diana shapes the modern royal image, while the spelling slip drew public scrutiny of royal gestures online.
Verbatim Quotes
"In memory of the Australian and New Zealand soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom." — Catherine, Princess of Wales (handwritten note)
"I think we have seen lots of examples where the reference is very intentional, and I think that Kate uses fashion to pay tribute to Diana in a very positive way." — Bethan Holt, fashion director, The Daily Telegraph
"the new Princess of Wales appreciates the history associated with this role but will understandably want to look to the future as she creates her own path." — Royal source (anonymous)
"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." — Official Royal Family social media post
"quite funny!" — Royal watcher (comment)
What’s Next
King Charles and Queen Camilla are scheduled to begin a state visit to the United States later this week, meeting President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, underscoring the monarchy’s diplomatic agenda after the ANZAC Day ceremonies.
