Kate Middleton makes a surprise appearance at Anzac Day service

The Duchess of Cambridge was dazzling in white as she arrived at the Westminster Abbey alongside her husband the Duke this morning to commemorate Anzac Day – a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand.

Kate Middleton, 40, cut a stylish figure as she recycled a white Alexander McQueen coat dress for the occasion, pairing the stunning piece with Princess Diana’s Collingwood earrings, a matching headband by milliner Jane Taylor and black accessories.

It was a surprise appearance for the Duchess, whose presence at the service was only announced this morning.

The traditional church service in the abbey featured an address by the Dean of Westminster, readings from the New Zealand and Australian high commissioners, prayers read by children of each country, and a Maori waiata performed by London-based Ngati Ranana London Maori Club.

The mother-of-three, who is known for her love of high street brands and repeating her outfits, wore the dress for her daughter Princess Charlotte’s christening in 2015.

The Duchess swept her brunette locks behind her shoulders for the occasion, donning a smart white headband with a trendy black bow at the back.

Kate also donned Diana’s Collingwood earrings for the service. Kate regularly wears jewelry that honors her mother-in-law, including her sapphire engagement ring, which once belonged to Diana.

Meanwhile she kept her makeup neutral for the outing, opting for a sweep of blush and a dash of black eyeliner.

Kate has a close affiliation with Alexander McQueen having worn the British fashion house’s designs on notable occasions, most famously to her wedding in 2011.

The dress is a favorite of the Duchess, who has worn the gown on multiple occasions in the past, including her daughter’s 2015 christening.

She also repeated the outfit in 2016, and again when she joined her husband in Belgium for a memorial of the 100 years since the Battle of Passchendaele in 2017.

She was all smiles while arriving to the services. 

The Duchess was seen speaking to church officials upon her arrival. 

Styling a pair of black stilettos with the look, Kate also accessorized with a small black clutch. 

The Duchess also carried a pair of white gloves along with her. 

Her understated makeup looks have become a signature part of her style. 

Her attendance comes as the Queen has had to pull out of many engagements due to mobility issues. 

Earlier today, William laid a wreath on behalf of the Queen at the Cenotaph and hundreds will take part in a parade, including members of veterans’ associations, service and ex-service personnel and their families.

The Duke of Cambridge looked somber as he paid homage with military personnel. 

The Duke wore a longline navy coat as he stepped out for the event earlier this morning, in a tradition which has been observed in London since King George V attended the first service at Westminster Abbey in 1916.

Some 300 to 400 former and serving military personnel and their families and members of veterans associations will gather at the Cenotaph for the wreath laying.

Foreign Secretary Liz Truss was seen attending the wreath laying ceremony as well. 

Anzac Day has been commemorated in London since the first anniversary of the Anzac landings when King George V attended a service at Westminster Abbey.

Since then, the services have become an important moment for thousands of expatriates and visiting New Zealanders and Australians.

Pictured: The Duke and Duchess arriving to Westminster Abbey.  

The heir to the throne said in a statement: ‘On this Anzac Day, my wife and I are thinking of all the courageous troops who endured so much in 1915 on the beaches and in the rugged hills of the Gallipoli Peninsula.’

‘As we pause to reflect on the sacrifice of the Armed Services personnel of Australia and New Zealand in two World Wars, and in other conflicts and peacekeeping operations, our thoughts will also be with those communities around the world who are being torn apart by violence and conflict, and those who are fighting for freedom in the face of oppression.’

‘In 1916, one year after the Gallipoli landings, my great-grandfather, King George V, wrote of the first Anzacs: ‘They gave their lives for a supreme cause in gallant comradeship’.

‘One hundred and six years later, gallant comradeship remains a defining mark of the uniformed men and women of New Zealand and Australia.’