Kate Middleton exudes class alongside Prince William at Britain's VE Day celebrations

The Royal Family gathered at Westminster Abbey on May 8, 2025, for a solemn Service of Thanksgiving to mark 80 years since Victory in Europe (VE) Day, commemorating the end of World War II in Europe.

Led by King Charles III and Queen Camilla, the service honored the sacrifices of those who fought to secure peace across the continent and beyond.

Among the royals in attendance was the Princess of Wales, who made a heartfelt and symbolic tribute to her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana.

Accompanying Prince William,Princess Kate appeared composed and elegant in a black and white polka dot dress by Alessandra Rich and a black fascinator by Juliette Botterill. Her look was elevated by a deeply personal detail: a pair of pearl drop earrings that once belonged to Diana.

Gifted to Princess Diana by Collingwood jewellers ahead of her 1981 wedding, the earrings became a staple in Diana's wardrobe, worn during key royal engagements across Australia, Canada, Italy, and the United States. Diana's connection to the earrings was well-documented; they notably featured in her 1985 U.S. tour and during her famous appearance in the "Revenge Dress" at a 1994 Vanity Fair event.

By wearing the heirloom pieces, Kate offered a subtle yet powerful nod to Diana's legacy, reaffirming the emotional bonds that continue to shape the modern monarchy. The Princess has chosen the earrings for several poignant occasions before, including her 40th birthday portrait, further underlining their significance.

A national ceremony of reflection and unity

The commemorative service at Westminster Abbey unfolded with moments of national reflection. At noon, the country paused for a two-minute silence, televised live on BBC One, as wreaths were laid at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior.

Among the tributes was a handwritten message from the Prince and Princess of Wales.

"For those who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Second World War, we will them," they wrote.

Ten-year-old Alexander Churchill, great-great-grandson of wartime Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill, lit a candle of peace during the ceremony, while young of the congregation distributed white roses to veterans.

Veterans and delegates from over 130 nations attended, highlighting the global significance of the day.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer was present, along with former leaders such as Rishi Sunak, Boris Johnson, and Lord David Cameron. In contrast, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were notably absent, as tensions within the royal family continue following Harry's recent call for reconciliation.

Earlier in the week, commemorations included a military parade along The Mall and a royal family appearance on the Buckingham Palace balcony. Kate, dressed in a berry-hued Emilia Wickstead coat dress and her RAF brooch-a tribute to her grandfather, a WWII pilot-was seen warmly engaging with veterans, including 101-year-old Bernard Morgan, the youngest RAF sergeant to land on D-Day.