Kate Middleton Is Spotted for First Time Since Death of Queen Elizabeth

Mar. 15, 2025

Kate Middletonis mourning her grandmother-in-law.

The newly mintedDuchess of Cornwall and Cambridge, 40, looked somber as she drove in Windsor, England on Friday, emerging for the first time sinceQueen Elizabethdied. The royal was somber in sunglasses and a black mock turtleneck, paired with pearl drop earrings.

Kate did not join her husbandPrince Williamfor thejourney northto Balmoral Castle in Scotland on Thursday, where the Queen had been on summer holiday since July. After announcing that her doctors were “concerned” for her health, Buckingham Palace said in simple statement that the 96-year-old monarchdied"peacefully" at herbeloved Balmoralon Thursday afternoon, local time.

While William joinedPrince Andrew,Prince EdwardandSophie, Countess of Wessexto rush to Her Majesty’s bedside, where they met withPrince Charles(now King Charles III),Princess Anneand later,Prince Harryat the castle. Kate likely stayed behind for their children’sfirst day of school.

Kate Middleton in Windsor after the death of Queen Elizabeth.James Whatling/MEGA

The start of term is especially momentous forPrince George, 9,Princess Charlotte, 7, andPrince Louis, 4, this year, as the young royals enroll as first-time pupils atLambrook School.

For more on Kate Middleton, listen below to our daily podcast PEOPLE Every Day.

Fortunately, Kate and the Queen spentquality time togetherjust weeks ago, when she and William visited Balmoral with their kids, a cherished summer tradition.

As planned, King Charles andCamilla, Queen Consort, returned to London Friday, where they were greeted with cheers and choruses of “God Save the King.”

Sept. 9. 2022: King Charles and Queen Camilla outside Buckingham Palace following Queen Elizabeth’s death.Yui Mok/AP/Shutterstock

Theirarrivalwas poignant, as it marked their first time in the capital city as monarch and consort.

In other firsts on Friday, Charles will host an audience with newly elected Prime MinisterLiz Trussand deliver his inaugural televised address as monarch.

source: people.com