On a poignant evening this past Saturday, Kate Middleton made her first public appearance since announcing she had completed preventative treatment for cancer. The Festival of Remembrance at Royal Albert Hall on November 9 was charged with emotion, especially for the royal couple, who paid homage to Princess Diana in several touching ways.

As Kate joined King Charles and other senior royals for the event honoring the British and Commonwealth Armed Forces, she and Prince William were seen with tears in their eyes. The atmosphere became particularly nostalgic when the orchestra played “Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer,” a hymn famously performed at Princess Diana’s funeral. This song has taken on a special significance for her sons, serving as a heartfelt reminder of their beloved mother.

The emotional connection doesn’t end there. Kate and William incorporated this moving hymn into their wedding in 2011, and it was notably highlighted as one of their favorites in the music program. Similarly, Prince Harry shared his own tribute to their mother during his 2018 wedding to Meghan Markle, where the same hymn resonated deeply with attendees.

In further homage to Diana, Kate adorned herself with the late royal's iconic pearl drop earrings, a thoughtful nod to her mother-in-law’s enduring legacy. Dressed in a chic black coat dress and complemented by a bright red poppy brooch—symbolizing remembrance for fallen soldiers—Kate's ensemble radiated both elegance and deep sentimental value. Her hair was styled in her trademark look, with one side delicately tucked behind her ear to prominently display the Collingwood pearl earrings.

The Festival of Remembrance was not only a tribute to those who served but also served as an intimate family moment filled with love and memory for the royal family, highlighting Diana’s lasting influence on their lives. This emotional event reminds us of the ties that bind families together, especially in times of remembrance.