Princess Anne recently shared an affectionate exchange with Princess Kate during the Commonwealth Day service held on 9 March 2026 at Westminster Abbey. Despite the prevailing tensions surrounding the arrest of Prince Andrew in the weeks prior, members of the royal family embraced a spirit of warmth and camaraderie at this significant annual event.
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The occasion marked one of the largest gatherings of the British royals since the unfolding scandal involving the former prince. Among the attendees, King Charles, his wife Queen Camilla, and their close family members were seen engaging in friendly greetings, highlighting the resilience of royal relationships even amidst controversies. Videos captured by royal correspondent Rebecca English showcased the family’s heartfelt interactions.
Arriving separately, the royals offered cordial hellos as they convened just inside the abbey. Notably, Prince William was seen sharing affectionate kisses on the cheek with his aunt, Princess Anne, as well as shaking hands with her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence. Princess Kate, also participating in these warm gestures, shared a similar exchange with Sir Tim and engaged in light-hearted banter with Princess Anne regarding their hats, which sparked some laughter.
As the senior members of the royal family entered, King Charles, aged 77, and 78-year-old Queen Camilla arrived last. Prince William was the first to approach his father, greeting him with a kiss on each cheek before turning to honour Camilla in the same manner. Princess Kate was next in line; she performed a curtsy and shared a kiss with King Charles, followed by a second curtsy to greet Queen Camilla.
Princess Anne, at 75, was also seen offering a respectful curtsy to her brother, King Charles. After these exchanges, the family aligned themselves for the traditional procession, with King Charles and Queen Camilla leading the way.
Despite her royal standing, Princess Kate routinely performs curtsies as a mark of respect towards King Charles and Queen Camilla. This practice is a long-standing tradition within the royal family, where all members, regardless of their titles, bow or curtsy when greeting the monarch and his spouse after an extended period apart.
While curtsies are customary for women, men traditionally bow in deference to royal members. Nonetheless, a more informal greeting such as a handshake is also deemed appropriate during introductions to royals.
The kind exchanges witnessed at the Commonwealth Day service reflect the growing bond between Princess Kate and King Charles. The monarch has previously referred to Kate as “my beloved daughter-in-law,” recounting fond memories of Prince William’s proposal in Kenya back in 2010 during a state banquet in October 2023.
Their connection has solidified in recent years, particularly following both receiving cancer diagnoses in 2024. Royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith remarked on their close relationship, suggesting that King Charles views Kate as a daughter figure, which has fostered a protective instinct shared with Prince William.
Smith elaborated that their relationship is characterised by mutual support, stating, “They are in this together, Kate and the King.” This sentiment illustrates the depth of their familial ties, underscoring how royal responsibilities and personal challenges can intertwine to strengthen bonds within the family.
The warmth exhibited during the Commonwealth Day service serves as a reminder that, despite the challenges faced by the royal family, the individuals within it continue to navigate difficult times with a sense of unity and love. As leaders in royal traditions, their interactions set an example of compassion and resilience, drawing attention to the importance of familial support in the face of adversity.