An Easter surprise this morning as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge joined the Queen at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle this morning. The Duchess, who is officially on maternity leave, spent the past few days at the Middleton family home in Bucklebury with William, George and Charlotte according to royal reporter Emily Andrews. They obviously decided to return to London to attend the service with the Royal family. It's an enormously exciting time for the couple who will welcome their third child at some point this month. It's the second consecutive year the Cambridges have attended Easter service at Windsor. Last year reporters heralded the couple's appearance as a result of their full-time move to London and increasing responsibilities. Princess Eugenie and her fiancé Jack Brooksbank, who will marry at St George's in October, arriving with Peter and Autumn Philips. Perth Fashion notes Eugenie's dress is by Oscar de la Renta. The Countess of Wessex and her daughter Lady Louise arriving with Princess Beatrice. Several noted it is the first time Louise has worn heels. She looked lovely. Other royals in attendance included Princess Anne and her family (Zara Tindall is the lady in blue), The Earl of Wessex and Prince Andrew. A video of the royals greeting Her Majesty. Princess Eugenie and her fiancé Jack Brooksbank are in the royal party. pic.twitter.com/dvjIXEKeMC — Richard Palmer (@RoyalReporter) April 1, 2018 The Duke and Duchess were late and arrived after Her Majesty. Emily Andrews reports: "Perhaps they got held up in roadworks on M4 from Bucklebury, where they’re spending Easter with Kate’s parents." VIDEO: #kate & #princewilliam were late to St George’s Chapel for the Easter service: perhaps they got held up in roadworks on M4 from Bucklebury, where they’re spending Easter with Kate’s parents. 🎥@RoyalReporter who is on the scene! pic.twitter.com/xZbJw5yc3r — Emily Andrews (@byEmilyAndrews) April 1, 2018 The couple were welcomed. Prince Philip, who celebrates his 97th birthday in June, was notably absent from today's service. He was forced to cancel two appearances due to a hip problem in recent weeks and wasn't well enough to join the Queen today. Wishing the Duke a speedy recovery. St George's Chapel is a 14th century building located in the Lower Ward of the castle. The chapel has been the site of many royal weddings in recent years, with the Earl and Countess of Wessex's in 1999, and the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall receiving a blessing there after their wedding in 2005. The chapel is also home to the Order of the Garter, the annual June ceremony. Indeed, it has been chosen as the venue for two royal weddings this year. More on the history of the chapel: 'In 1348, King Edward III founded two new religious colleges: St Stephen's at Westminster and St George's at Windsor. The new college at Windsor was attached to the Chapel of St Edward the Confessor which had been constructed by Henry III in the early thirteenth century. The chapel was then rededicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, St Edward the Confessor and St George the Martyr. Edward III also built the Aerary Porch in 1353–1354. It was used as the entrance to the new college. The Quire of St George's Chapel, by Charles Wild, from W.H. Pyne's Royal Residences, 1818. St George's Chapel became the Mother Church of the Order of the Garter, and a special service is still held in the chapel every June and is attended by the members of the order. Their heraldic banners hang above the upper stalls of the choir where they have a seat for life.' The royals departing after the service. A terrific photo of William and Kate greeting children behind the Queen, who looked resplendent in pink. Last year, the Duchess selected her cream Catherine Walker coat and a cream pillbox hat. Today, Kate chose the bespoke brown Catherine Walker coat she debuted for the 2015 St Patrick's Day parade when she was expecting Princess Charlotte. In our last post, we chatted about Kate's maternity repeats and discussed how Kate has turned to pieces from her second pregnancy on numerous occasions. The chestnut brown, double wool crepe garment was a very nice choice for today's service. Once again, Kate teamed the coat with her £245 Betty Boop Beret by Lock & Co. The 'Betty Boop' is one of Kate's favourites; she's worn it on a number of occasions over the years. Kate wore her Gianvito Rossi 85 praline pumps. Kate carried her $275 Loeffler Randall 'Tab' clutch. The bag is handcrafted from lizard-effect leather in a soft blush hue. "Perfect for day or night, this design opens to a surprisingly spacious twill-lined interior complete with a zipped pocket for smaller items." It's available in several colours at ShopBop. Kate accessorised with her Balenciaga pearl earrings. And her unidentified pearl brooch. Afterwards, William and Kate returned to Bucklebury where George and Charlotte were very likely waiting for eggs like these! A very Happy Easter to you all! :) It's officially Royal Baby month! :)
