The Princess of Wales was given a three-word nickname after her major appearance at a key royal event last week. Princess Catherine led the nation in a poignant two-minute silence in remembrance of the fallen on Armistice Day.
The future Queen stood silent, still and deep in thought as she joined veterans in honouring the war dead at the Armed Forces Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, before laying a wreath in memory of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. It was the first time the princess – dressed in a military-style black coat, a wide-brimmed black hat adorned with a bow and wearing two poppies – had attended the service.
Now, according to royal commentator Jennie Bond, Catherine’s solo appearance solidified her senior presence for the Firm, describing her as an “absolutely key figure” in the future of the monarchy.
She told the Mirror: “I’m sure the King is delighted every time Catherine steps up to perform high-profile duties.
“He must recognise that she is an absolutely key figure in the future of the monarchy, and – just like William – he is proud of how completely she has embraced her role.”
Ms Bond added that Catherine was the “very picture of a modern future Queen, carrying out one of the most solemn duties in the royal calendar,” showing her “commitment to the Remembrance events by taking a prominent role at the Albert Hall commemoration, the Cenotaph service and then at the Arboretum.”
On Tuesday, after the service, the princess was handed a bunch of flowers as she met pupils from Newport Girls’ High School, before taking time to chat to D-Day veterans Alan Kennett and Geoffrey Spencer and VE and VJ Day veteran Donald (Bill) Redston.
Speaking to Mr Spencer, who served in RAF Bomber Command and repaired and flew Lancaster Bomber aircraft, the royal asked him what it was like to fly and made a confession about the second in line to the throne.
The Princess of Wales said that George loves to make AirFix models and was a “big fan” of the Lancaster Bomber models.
She said: “George very much likes making the AirFix models. He is a big fan of the Lancaster Bomber, so he knows more about aircraft than I do.”
The princess said the arboretum was a “special place” and that she enjoyed hearing the personal experiences of veterans such as Mr Redston.
Before she departed the Arboretum, Catherine stopped to greet crowds who waited outside to see her and appeared to joke about having to hold onto her hat in the wind as she shook hands and chatted.
