Kate Middleton wore a lilac dress to a reception in honor of Queen Elizabeth II's 100th birthday.

Kate Middleton attended a reception at Buckingham Palace to mark the late Queen Elizabeth's 100th birthday. The event took place on April 21 in the palace's Marble Hall.

For the event, 44-year-old Kate chose an elegant, straight-cut dress with three-quarter sleeves in lilac—one of the late Queen's favorite shades, though one the Princess of Wales herself rarely wears. Particular attention was drawn to the massive pearl jewelry that once belonged to Elizabeth II. Kate's husband, Prince William, opted for a classic dark suit.

Also present at the reception were Charles III and Queen Camilla, Prince Edward and Sophie of Wessex.

Guests at the reception included representatives of charities supported by Queen Elizabeth during her lifetime: Cancer Research UK, the British Red Cross, the Jockey Club, the Royal Kennel Club, and the Army Benevolent Fund. The Windsors were also joined by centenarians celebrating their 100th anniversaries. King Charles III personally presented them with congratulatory cards and a birthday cake.

In honor of the anniversary, the 77-year-old king recorded a video message. "Today, on what would have been my beloved mother's 100th birthday, my family and I remember her life, which meant so much to us all," the message reads. "Her nearly 100-year life was full of remarkable changes, but throughout each decade she remained constant, unwavering, and utterly devoted to the people she served," her son, Charles III, also noted.

Elizabeth II died on September 8, 2022, at the age of 96, at her residence in Balmoral. She became the longest-reigning monarch in the United Kingdom, with a reign of 70 years and 214 days.

Meanwhile, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are visiting veterans in Australia as part of their trip.

Фото: Aaron Chown — Pool, Jordan Pettitt — Pool/Getty Images