Chris Jackson/Getty ImagesOne would imagine that some royal duties are a pain. Others an honor. This weekend, Prince William and Kate Middleton experienced the latter.
Will, Kate and the bulk of the senior members of the royal family stepped out in London this weekend, paying tribute to those soldiers who have died in war and leading mourners in a nationwide two-minute silence on Remembrance Day (think Veteran's Day: U.K. Edition).
On Sunday morning, the duo, along with Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip, Prince Charles, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall; Prince Edward, Sophie, Countess of Wessex, and Princess Anne joined together to lead the nation's most solemn tribute. (Prince Harry, obviously, was not present, but did take part in a similar ceremony on his Arizona base.)
All present wore the requisite somber black along with the traditional red poppy paper lapel, worn in honor of the fallen.
The ceremony took place at London's Cenotaph, the very same structure, royal watchers will recall, that caused Will and Kate to salute and bow their heads, respectively, while passing under it during their wedding procession—not to mention, the main war monument of the nation.
As might be expected, there was something of a division among the ranks, as those born royal—meaning, the queen, Prince William and Prince Charles—were on the ground, laying wreaths and other tributes at the foot of the Cenotaph, those not born royal—meaning Kate, Camilla and Sophie, among others—looked on from above, overseeing the activities from a balcony that overlooked the monument.
At 11 a.m., the queen led the nation in a two-minute silence.
As for Kate, she may not have been part of the on-the-ground festivities, but all eyes were nonetheless on her during the ceremony. As always, she's already been lauded for her fashion choice, donning a double-breasted wool coat with soutache trim and detachable collar and cuffs from Diane von Furstenberg's 2008 collection. And, what with her being British and all, a black bowler-type fascinator.