Princess Kate told a well-wisher to “hold onto” their “cherished” memories of the Queen as she and Prince William paid their respects to the late monarch.
Today marks one year since Queen Elizabeth II’s death after she reigned over Britain for 70 years and 214 days.
And this afternoon William and Kate joined a private church service at St David’s Cathedral in Wales, to commemorate her life.
They were miles away from Prince Harry, who jetted into the UK for WellChild Awards held in London last night before he headed to St George’s Chapel in Windsor this morning to pay his respects at the late Queen’s final resting place.
He is not believed to have seen his family on the flying visit – having already landed in Germany this afternoon ready for the launch of the Invictus Games.
Kate and Wills stayed focused on their royal duties today, speaking with well-wishers as they paid tribute to the Queen.
Dressed in a burgundy coat and hat and the late Queen’s pearl earrings, Kate told one well-wisher to “hold onto” and “cherish” the “wonderful” memories of the Queen.
Outside the cathedral, she spoke with flying instructor Patricia Mawuli Porter OBE, who told her about how she loved the Queen’s warmth.
Kate replied: “We all have wonderful memories of her, we have to hold on to them, cherish them.”
William also waved at the crowds gathered outside the church as fans applauded the couple.
After the short service, Kate and Wills paused at a photo of the Queen to pay their respects before leaving two bunches of white roses in front of the photograph.
It is a solemn day for the Royal Family, who have shared tributes to the late Queen on the anniversary of her death.
This morning, the Prince and Princess of Wales posted pictures of the late monarch on Instagram with a touching caption.
They wrote: “Today we remember the extraordinary life and legacy of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth. We all miss you. W & C.”
They included photos of the Queen with her beloved corgis, as well as a snap of Her Majesty with all her great-grandkids, including Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, and her two youngest grandchildren.
The couple were also pictured on the Buckingham Palace balcony with the late Queen and the now-King during the Platinum Jubilee celebrations, with another image of the Queen dressed in a vibrant blue coat and hat.
Earlier today King Charles and Camilla gathered at Crathie Kirk for a poignant event at the church where the late Queen worshipped.
The King and Queen were joined by the late Queen’s niece and nephew, Lady Sarah Chatto and the Earl of Snowdon.
Elizabeth II was close to her sister Princess Margaret’s children, especially Lady Sarah.
The earl was accompanied by his daughter Lady Margarita Armstrong-Jones, and Lady Sarah by her husband Daniel and children Samuel and Arthur.
It comes after Charles and Camilla, 76, chose to stay last night at Balmoral Castle — where Queen Elizabeth passed away.
They slept at her favourite property rather than at their own Scottish home at Birkhall seven miles away.
