Britain’s Princess of Wales
met Olena Zelenskiy, the First Lady of Ukraine, at Buckingham Palace on Sunday,
a day before the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth.
Olena Zelenskiy will represent
Ukraine in the absence of her husband President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday
at Westminster Abbey, where scores of world leaders will join King Charles and
the rest of Britain’s royal family for the service.
For the occasion, the princess
wore a classic black coat dress, paired with sheer black tights and a pair of
black heels. Her hair was styled in loose curls, and her accessories included a
three-strand pearl bracelet.
On Friday, September 9,
William and Kate officially inherited the titles of Prince and
Princess of Wales from King Charles III and the late Princess Diana. King
Charles announced their new roles as part of his first public speech as
a monarch, having acceded the throne immediately following the death
of Queen Elizabeth II.
A royal source told BAZAAR.com at
the time that the couple intends “on deepening the trust and respect of the
people of Wales over time” and “will approach their roles in the
modest and humble way they’ve approached their work previously.”
The source added that, while
Princess Kate “appreciates the history associated with this
role,” she also wants “to look to the future as she creates her own
path.”
The royal has already
accompanied Prince Harry on several outings throughout the past week, including
a trip to Sandringham Estate to visit tributes left by the public, as
well as a meeting with troops from the Commonwealth who are set to
take part in Queen Elizabeth’s funeral.
She also joined Queen Consort
Camilla for Wednesday’s procession honoring the late monarch, during
which the two royals rode in a car that was being driven behind the late
queen’s coffin. Kate later stood at William’s side during a reception held
inside the Palace of Westminster.
Catherine and her husband
William were given the titles Princess and Prince of Wales after William’s
father Charles ascended the throne 10 days ago.
