At this time of the year, we’d usually see Duchess Catherine and Prince William doing anything but making video calls at home.
But of course, 2020 hasn’t been shy of delivering us a few curveballs, and in an historic moment for the royal family, this year’s Remembrance Day celebrations have been marked a little differently.
This month, the Duke and Duchess took part in two separate video calls with servicemen and women currently serving overseas, as well as their families back home.
Catherine, who spoke to the families on Monday, looked radiant in the stills that have since appeared. Wearing a satin collared top in monochrome and a traditional poppy pinned to her chest, the royal mum was in her natural element as she spoke to the relatives of those serving.
During the call, Kate told the families: “It’s been a real honour to speak to all of you and I think I speak for the whole nation when I say just how proud you should be of your loved ones, and for the sacrifice and the bravery that they’ve shown.
She concluded: “I’ll certainly be thinking of you this difficult week and will be for many years to come.”
Meanwhile, Prince William spoke to a number of servicemen and women last week.
They spoke to The Duke about the important role that Remembrance Day plays in their lives.
The crux of the commemorations allows them to remember the people who who have lost their lives fighting for their country, and also gives rise to reflect on the mental and physical sacrifices they make.
William said: “I hope that you know that we are still thinking about all of you and the important job you’re all doing, and that everyone is very grateful.
“I hope that over Remembrance Sunday we can remind people just how committed and determined, and how brilliant all the people we have in the Forces are around the world.”
The calls come after members of the royal family stepped out in force together on Sunday to pay their respects to the fallen servicemen and women.
Attending the traditional service at The Cenotaph in London, William and Kate were joined by The Queen, Prince Charles, Duchess Camilla, Sophie of Wessex and more.
While things this year have looked quite different for the royal family (as it has for the rest of the world, as well), it’s been refreshing to see them utilise their influence in other ways.
There’s no denying both Kate and William are dab hands at a humble Zoom call these days – and with the UK now in its second lockdown, we can expect many more to come.