Kate Middleton Reassured Princess Charlotte As They Walked Into Prince Philip's Memorial Service
The Duchess of Cambridge held her daughter's hand and advised her, "You can smile" as they walked into Westminster Abbey.

On Tuesday, the entire Cambridge family—save for Prince Louis, likely considered too young to attend the event—joined hundreds of mourners in Westminster Abbey in London for Prince Philip's memorial service. As they walked into the Abbey, Kate Middleton holding Princess Charlotte's hand and her husband, Prince William, holding Prince George's, Kate quietly told her daughter, "You can smile," according to the Daily Mail, who spoke to lip reader Jacqui Press.
The service took place close to a year after the death of Prince Philip, who passed away at the age of 99 last April. The Independent reports that the Queen was heavily involved in all areas of planning for the service and was "determined" to attend, in spite of suffering from mobility issues over the past several months. The Queen wore a brooch gifted to her by her late husband.
In photos of the Cambridge family entering Westminster Abbey—Kate smiling to greet onlookers, while the kids look somber—you can see the moment that Kate lets her daughter know it's appropriate to smile at well-wishers and photographers, even at such a sad occasion:
It's yet another example of Kate's refreshingly modern approach to parenting the royal children.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
-
Prince Harry Wasn't Informed About King Charles's Hospitalization
"It looks like the duke only found out about his father's latest health update through the media."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Jennifer Lawrence Styles a $7,500 Outfit With $100 Sneakers
The actress paired Prada and Celine with her $100 footwear.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Meghan Markle and Her Makeup Artist Confirmed All Her Royal Wedding Beauty Products
And yes, you can shop them all here.
By Kayleigh Roberts Published
-
Prince George Had a Six-Word Message for Prince William to Pass Along to a TV Star During a Recent Royal Engagement
The 11-year-old called the star of a popular U.K. series out.
By Kayleigh Roberts Published
-
Kate Middleton Has Been Embracing a Princess Diana-Inspired Wardrobe Change as She Prepares for Her Future Role as Queen
There's some very important symbolism behind the fashion choice, according to a royal style expert.
By Kayleigh Roberts Published
-
How Carole Middleton Might Step Up to Support Princess Kate Following Previous Controversies
"I'm sure the whole family will be wanting to erase the memory of last year's Mother's Day."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
The "Impactful" Change Prince William Has Made to Royal Protocol as He "Splits" From King Charles
"It's a model you're likely to see more of," a royal source explained.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Prince George Is Set to Inherit One of the U.K.'s "Party Towns," Thanks to Old Royal Rule
The famous location is "a popular choice" for bachelor and bachelorette parties.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Why Prince William Decided to Eliminate Queen Elizabeth's "No Selfies" Rule Completely
The Prince of Wales has shattered royal protocol when it comes to taking pictures with fans.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Prince Louis Could Follow in Prince Andrew’s Footsteps to Receive This Royal Honor When Prince William Becomes King
The 6-year-old prince could one day hold a special title.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Princess Kate's 2024 Photoshop Controversy Left the Royals Feeling "Bruised" and "Deeply Upset"
"It was like being in the middle of a tornado and not knowing when it was going to calm down."
By Kristin Contino Published