The Royal Family gathered together at Westminster Abbey this morning to attend the Queen's Coronation Service.
William, Catherine and Harry joined the Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh (who cancelled an engagement last night due to illness), Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall, the Duke of York and Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, the Earl and Countess of Wessex and their daughter Lady Louise, the Princess Royal and her family, the Gloucesters and Kents to mark the 60th anniversary of Her Majesty's Coronation which took place on 2 June 1953.
Today's service marks the first time William and Catherine have returned to the Abbey since their wedding, it's interesting to think they're only weeks away from the arrival of their first child.
Westminster Abbey shared a photo from inside before proceedings began.
Her Majesty and Prince Philip are welcomed outside the church.
The service commenced at 11 a.m. and was conducted by the Dean of Westminster, The Very Reverend Dr John Hall. It is estimated 2,000 guests were in attendance. Amongst these were church representatives, Realms High Commissioners and representatives of British Overseas Territories and their Diplomatic Corps.
An address was given by the Archbishop of Canterbury and readings were given by the Prime Minister David Cameron and the Secretary General of the Commonwealth, His Excellency Mr. Kamalesh Sharm. Actress Claire Skinner read a poem by Poet Laureate, Carol Ann Duffy which was specifically written for the service.
Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie.
The Countess of Wessex looked striking in a white lace dress.
Westminster Abbey's incredible history is intertwined with the Royal Family's and has been the coronation church since 1066. It has witnessed 38 coronations (fascinating to think of the various periods of history), the first being the coronation of William the Conqueror and most recently Queen Elizabeth II's in 1953.
Westminster Abbey has a wonderful page dedicated to the Queen's Coronation allowing one to relive every moment of the service which took place six decades ago:
'After sixteen months of preparations Tuesday 2 June finally arrived. The Abbey opened at 5.00 am and by 5.30 reporters and cameramen began to take their positions in the Abbey. By 7.00 am the guests began taking their seats. At 10.15 am the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh left Buckingham Palace in the Gold State Coach, bound for Westminster.'
The Queen's coronation dress was made by Norman Hartnell, who had made her wedding dress. It was of white satin embroidered with emblems of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. rose (for England), thistle (Scotland), leek (Wales), shamrock (Ireland), lotus (Ceylon), protea (South Africa) wattle (Australia), wheat and jute (Pakistan), maple leaf (Canada) and fern (New Zealand). Whilst reading about the dress, I was reminded of Catherine's wedding dress which encompassed emblems of the United Kingdom.
An invitation to the coronation. I love the beautiful artwork and it is so well preserved.
The royals mingled outside the church after the service.
Catherine and Zara enjoyed a chat.
After the service, senior royals attended a luncheon in College Hall, the Mediaeval Abbots' Dining Hall.
The Duchess looked regal in a bespoke pale pink coat and dress by Jenny Packham. The fringe detail on the dress is a lovely choice. The look was perfect for the occasion yet a comfortable choice. Catherine looked radiant, her best maternity look so far.
Catherine brought back the Jane Taylor nude based hat with silk tulle and organza discs she wore for the Jubilee service last year. It originally retailed for $1300.
A closer look at Catherine romantically beautiful hairstyle.
Catherine also wore her trusty L.K. Bennett Sledge pumps.
She carried her Alexander McQueen clutch and accessorised with dazzling earrings and a bracelet. The always knowledgeable Anna believes the pieces may have been a wedding gift from Prince Charles.
I think today's service was a beautiful one, and I look forward to see more of the royal family together.
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