Royal Easter Service: A Day Of Tradition And Modernity

On Sunday, April 1, the royal family gathered at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle for the Easter service. This is the very church where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are set to exchange vows this May. While the soon-to-be-married couple didn’t make an appearance, Queen Elizabeth II led the congregation with several of her grandchildren in tow, including Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie, Lady Louise Windsor, and James, Viscount Severn. Also present were Prince William and Kate Middleton, whose arrival brought a bit of intrigue as they broke royal protocol in a couple of ways.

Breaking Royal Tradition: Kate and William’s Arrival

Kate Middleton, who is expecting her third child in just a few weeks, arrived at the service by car with her husband, Prince William. While that might not seem out of the ordinary, royal tradition usually dictates that members of the monarchy walk from Windsor Castle to the chapel for the Easter service. What’s more, the couple arrived after the Queen, which is a notable breach of protocol. Typically, the Queen arrives last at any event and departs first, making this a rare and interesting exception.

Kate Middleton on Easter Sunday.

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Modernizing the Monarchy: A Shift in Protocol

It’s likely that the protocol-breaking arrival of Kate and William was due to Kate’s pregnancy and her choice of footwear—she was wearing a pair of nude Gianvito Rossi pumps. This incident reflects a growing trend in the royal family to adapt and relax certain traditions to suit modern times. After all, Meghan Markle’s inclusion in last year’s royal Christmas celebrations is another example of this shift. Interestingly, one of the few other instances where this rule was broken occurred at Sir Winston Churchill’s state funeral in 1952. To honor her beloved former Prime Minister, Queen Elizabeth II arrived before his coffin and family and left afterward as a gesture of respect.

Spring Styles: The Royal Fashion Show

On Easter Sunday, Kate Middleton paired her Gianvito Rossi heels with a brown Catherine Walker coat, a piece she last wore in 2015 during the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations just before the birth of Princess Charlotte. It’s safe to say this coat is a go-to choice for comfortable maternity wear. She topped off her look with a brown Lock & Co hat and Balenciaga earrings. Meanwhile, Queen Elizabeth II stood out in a vibrant fuchsia pink jacket and hat, proving that even the most senior member of the family knows how to make a colorful statement. Pregnant Zara Phillips opted for a blue ensemble, while Princess Eugenie made headlines with her eye-catching Oscar de la Renta paint-splattered buttoned dress, which is now sold out at Selfridges. The overall vibe was a bright and cheerful one, perfectly reflecting the arrival of spring.

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This article originally appeared on our sister site, Grazia Daily.