A small, unexpected moment between Catherine, Princess of Wales, and Anne, Princess Royal, quickly became one of the most talked-about scenes during this year’s Commonwealth Day service. It’s an exchange that perfectly captured the unique dynamic between two of the most respected women in the British royal family.
On Monday, members of the royal family gathered at Westminster Abbey for the annual service marking Commonwealth Day. The event, held on the second Monday of March, is one of the most important fixtures on the royal calendar. Broadcast across the nations of the Commonwealth, it brings together senior royals in a rare public appearance as a group.
But it was a brief interaction between the Princess of Wales and the Princess Royal that captured the world’s attention.
Observers quickly noticed that the two women did not exchange the customary cheek kiss often seen among royal women during greetings. Instead, what began as an awkward moment turned into laughter.
© PA ImagesAs the two approached each other inside the abbey, they leaned to greet with a kiss, but the Princess of Wales’ dramatic hat made the gesture nearly impossible. Kate wore a wide-brimmed hat with a bow and a delicate net veil that covered part of the brim, while Princess Anne opted for her signature pillbox style.
Realizing the greeting wouldn’t work, both women burst into laughter.
The exchange highlighted the striking contrast between the two royals. At 44, the Princess of Wales is known for her polished approach to royal protocol. Her gestures are known to be measured and carefully aligned with the modern image the monarchy seeks to project.
Princess Anne, meanwhile, has built a reputation for practicality and no-nonsense efficiency. At 75, the daughter of Queen Elizabeth II is recognized as one of the hardest-working members of the royal family and maintains an intense schedule of engagements year after year.
Despite their different styles, both women enjoy some of the highest approval ratings among the British public. According to a January 2026 survey from YouGov, the Princess of Wales holds a 74% positive approval rating, while Princess Anne follows closely with 70%.
Those numbers stand out when compared with other senior royals. Queen Camilla has a 42% positive rating, while Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, reaches 50%. Meanwhile, King Charles III holds a 60% approval rating, and Prince William, Prince of Wales, leads the family with 77%.
© DPPA/Sipa USAWhat the Princesses mean to the British royal house
Although they rarely appear together throughout the year, the Princess of Wales and Princess Anne represent two essential pillars of the monarchy.
Kate embodies the future. Her role is strategic and highly visible, carefully crafted to connect with a modern audience while reinforcing the institution’s relevance.
Anne, on the other hand, represents continuity and duty. Though she stands further down the line of succession, her influence within the royal household remains significant, and her demanding schedule reflects a lifetime commitment to public service.
Together, their different approaches create a balance within the royal family, one rooted in tradition but adapting to the expectations of a new era.
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