Poignant Service to Commemorate the End of Combat in Afghanistan

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On Friday, the Queen lead a service that paid tribute to Britain's armed forces who fought in Afghanistan. It was held at St Paul's cathedral to mark the withdrawal of troops from the region after 13 years.

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Almost 150,000 UK personnel served in the Afghanistan conflict, and 453 British men and women died in the fight against the Taliban.

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In attendance were Prince William, Kate, the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Charles, the Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Harry, who served two tours during the conflict.

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The service was led by the Dean of St Paul's with an address given by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby.

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During the service the Archbishop blessed a cross made of shell casings which adorned a memorial wall in Camp Bastion, Britain's main base in Afghanistan. He said the rededication was "a sign that love conquers death and as a memorial to those who have died".

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After the service, five detachments made up of serving personnel from the Army, RAF, Royal Navy and the Royal Marines, took part in a parade organized by the Royal British Legion (RBL) through the City of London to the Guildhall.

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Prince Charles took the royal salute as they marched, in silence, past St Paul's accompanied by military bands, pipes and drums.

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Following the parade, a reception was held at Guildhall hosted by the City of London Corporation for those who attended and took part in the parade. The Prince of Wales, The Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Harry, The Duke of York, the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister, the Secretary of State for Defense and the Chief of the Defense Staff were all in attendance.

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The Duchess of Cambridge looked elegant in a fluted, navy, 100% wool trapeze overcoat by one of her favorite labels, Beulah London. The 'Chiara Wool' coat (£650) features a fitted bodice and a nipped-in waist that contrasts with the soft folds of the hem.

Beulah London

 

This luxe coat is from a previous season, however, the designer has agreed to reissue a limited number on a pre-order basis.

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Cornelia James

 

Completing her all navy ensemble, Kate wore a gorgeous matching tilted hat with a striking bow detail (designer is UFO), carried her navy 'Muse' clutch (suede) by Stuart Weitzman for Russell & Bromley, wore her bespoke, navy (also in suede) Alexander McQueen heels, and her navy Cornelia James 100% wool ‘Imogen’ gloves (there has been some chatter that Kate's gloves could be from Butterfly Lane, however, I am unable to find any pictures).

 

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G. Collis & Sons

 

The Duchess is wearing a stunning pear shaped tanzanite and diamond pendant set in platinum by G. Collis & Sons.

 

Additional Details:

 

Pear Shape Tanzanite (6.38ct)

Diamond Surround Estimated Total 0.87ct

8,400 GBP

 



Polaris/G Collins Instagram/WKW

 

Kate's earrings match her tanzanite and diamond pendant. WKW has shared a picture from G. Collis & Sons that was posted on Instagram. The earrings are not identical, but quite similar.

 

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Veering away from her usual bouncy blow-dry, the Duchess wrapped her hair up in a demure side bun.