The Princess of Wales put on an elegant display in a monochrome ensemble as she attended the installation of Dame Sarah Mullally as Archbishop of Canterbury at Canterbury Cathedral in Kent today.
Kate, 44, alongside Prince William, 43, witnessed the symbolic start of the archbishop of Canterbury’s public ministry in the Church of England and across the Anglican Communion.
Dame Sarah is the first female to hold the high office of Archbishop of Canterbury in its 1,400-year history.
The royal mother-of-three debuted a new £2,850 Washington Prince of Wales check Cashmere Coat from Suzannah London for the occasion.
She paired the piece with another new, standout accessory: the £690 Houndstooth Straw Boater from Juliette Millinery.
The royal mixed the old with the new, and also wore her £570 Ralph Lauren Celia Calfskin heels in black, while carrying her £4,036 Chanel Mini Classic Handbag, made of lambskin and gold-tone metal.
To accessorise, Kate donned her £7,245 Cavolfiore Earrings from Cassandra Goad, made from 18carat yellow gold with pearl and diamonds.
William took part in today’s event in his role as heir to the throne, according to recent tradition.
The monarch, who is Supreme Governor of the Church of England, delegates the duty to their successor.
Kate held onto her wide-brimmed Juliette Botterill hat amid windy weather as she and the prince were greeted outside the West Door by Lord Lieutenant of Kent, Lady Colgrain.
William and Kate have no active role in the service, but watched as members of the congregation.
The ceremony featured a mandate – a legal instruction – from the King, read by Principal Registrar of the Province of Canterbury, Darren Oliver, giving the monarch’s instruction to install Dame Sarah as the Archbishop of Canterbury.
She is the first woman to be appointed Archbishop in the role’s 1,400 year history, and today’s service is her formal installation.
Dame Sarah is the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury.
William and Catherine previously met her at Lambeth Palace on February 5 and have since indicated their interest in building a warm and meaningful relationship with the most senior bishop in the church and its spiritual leader.
Upon arrival, Their Royal Highnesses were received by the Lord Lieutenant, Lady Colgrain, who then introduced them to the Dean of Canterbury, the Very Reverend Dr David Monteith.
