KATCHING MY I: Curly Kate twirls her ringlets as she watches the Remembrance Day parade alongside the Countess of Wessex

Monday 11 November 2013

Curly Kate twirls her ringlets as she watches the Remembrance Day parade alongside the Countess of Wessex

The Duchess of Cambridge appeared alongside the Countess of Wessex
Chilly November breeze repeatedly forced her ringlets out of shape
She wore a diamond poppy brooch, textured coat and a James Lock beret
The Countess chose to show her support with a Lulu Guinness poppy bag
Duo watched as the Queen laid a wreath in honour of the UK's fallen heroes

PUBLISHED: 12:15, 10 November 2013 | UPDATED: 18:36, 10 November 2013

She's famous for her perfectly groomed mane but even the Duchess of Cambridge's long locks couldn't withstand the wind that sprung up during the Remembrance Day parade.

Faced with a chilly breeze, the Duchess repeatedly twirled her locks back into shape as she watched veterans process past the Cenotaph alongside the Countess of Wessex.

Despite the havoc created by the gale, the Duchess cut an elegant figure in a sombre black textured coat and a James Lock & Co beret.

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Ringing the changes: The Duchess' hair starts to droop thanks to the breeze but she twirls it back into shape

Breezy: The Duchess of Cambridge attempts to twirl her ringletted locks back into shape

That's better! The Duchess smiles up at Princess Anne's husband Sir Tim Laurence, her hair back in place

Poppies: Both the Countess of Wessex and the Duchess of Cambridge wore patriotic floral brooches

Watching her husband lay a wreath of poppies at the memorial, she appeared lost in thought as she stood, smiling at the crowds below, with the Countess of Wessex.

Both royals sported poppies; combined with a delicate diamond brooch in the Duchess' case, while the Countess of Wessex carried a black Lulu Guinness clutch bag emblazoned with the flowers.

The Duchess also showed off her thrifty side, appearing in a James Lock & Co beret that she first wore during the St Patrick's Day Parade in March.

Down in the street, the Queen, in an all-black ensemble and carrying one of her trademark Launer leather bags, was flanked by the Duke of Edinburgh and Prince Harry as she arrived to lay a wreath at the Cenotaph.

Duchess of Cambridge in sombre black for Remembrance Sunday

Close: The Duchess of Cambridge and the Countess of Wessex share a smile during the remembrance parade

Duty: The Queen, accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh and Prince Harry, led tributes to the fallen

Tribute: The Queen lays a wreath in honour of the UK's fallen heroes on Remembrance Sunday

Standing in: Prince Harry deputised for the absent Prince Charles who is currently touring India with his wife

Remembrance: Prince William was flanked by the Princess Royal and the Duke of Edinburgh at the ceremony

Also watching the parade of servicemen was the Prime Minister and his wife Samantha who was chic in a demure knee-length dress, a neat pair of LK Bennett black patent court shoes and a stylish pillbox hat.

Other political wives remembering the fallen at the Cenotaph included Justine Milliband, Norma Major and Cherie Blair.

Like Samantha Cameron, Mrs Milliband plumped for a pillbox hat and wrapped up warm in a tailored black coat and smart leather gloves.

But despite their efforts, all eyes were on the veterans who stood silently as the bell of Big Ben chimed 11, ushering in a respectful two minutes silence.

Many of those at the parade and remembrance service had also appeared at the Festival of Remembrance held at the Royal Albert Hall the previous night.

Accompanying the Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh and the three main party leaders, was the Countess of Wessex who, while sombre during the Remembrance Sunday parade, was moved to tears by a small girl reunited with her serviceman father on stage.

Megan Adams, 10, from Stirling in Scotland, appeared on stage to perform with the Poppy Girls before being surprised by the unexpected appearance of her father Lieutenant Commander Billy Adams, who had been serving in a Navy patrol off the Seychelles.