Catherine, Princess of Wales, Honors Queen Elizabeth II with Tree-Planting Ceremony

In a touching tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II, Catherine, Princess of Wales, participated in a tree-planting ceremony ahead of the royal family's traditional Christmas celebrations.

The event, part of the Queen's Green Canopy project, showcased the princess in a stylish blue and green tartan outfit as she prepared a planting hole in the Dean's Yard of Westminster Abbey.

Adorned in a jacket by Holland Cooper, the mother-of-three exuded elegance and grace as she planted a wild cherry tree gifted by the Duchy of Cornwall.

Following Charles's ascension to the throne on September 8, Prince William inherited the estate from his father.

Subsequently, William and Catherine assumed the titles of Duke and Duchess of Cornwall, with the new sovereign bestowing the title of Prince of Wales upon their first-born on September 9.

The cherry tree planting ceremony in Dean's Yard was a poignant moment, replacing a horse chestnut tree that had succumbed to a sudden summer ailment earlier in the year.

Amidst a gathering outside the abbey, Catherine engaged with well-wishers before diligently adding soil to the newly planted tree.

Upon completing the task, she unveiled a memorial plaque dedicated to Queen Elizabeth II, which bore the inscription, “This wild cherry tree, a gift from the Duchy of Cornwall, was dedicated in memory of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales on 14 December 2022.”

The tree symbolizes one of the many contributions to the Queen's Green Canopy initiative.

The Queen's Green Canopy project, initially announced in October 2021 to commemorate Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee, took on added significance following her passing in September.

Led by the late monarch and Prince Charles, the initiative aimed to plant over a million trees across the UK to honor the Queen's legacy.

Recent images shared by the initiative captured the Princess of Wales planting a tree at Westminster Abbey, underscoring the profound impact of the endeavor.

Westminster Abbey holds a special place in the hearts of the Royal Family, having hosted significant events such as Queen Elizabeth II's coronation in 1953 and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's Royal Wedding in 2011.

As preparations for the Hashtag Together at Christmas Carol service unfolded, the tree-planting ceremony served as a poignant reminder of the late Queen's enduring legacy.

As the royal family prepares to gather at Sandringham for a poignant Christmas celebration, the absence of Queen Elizabeth II looms large.

This year's festivities will mark the first Christmas since her passing and Charles' subsequent accession to the throne.

Among the attendees will be the Queen, Consul Camilla's children Tom and Laura, and a host of other royal guests, all navigating the bittersweet emotions of the occasion.

Former Royal Butler Grant Harold, who served King Charles and Camilla for seven years, reflected on the upcoming celebrations, noting the adherence to longstanding traditions despite the change in leadership.

While the rituals of gift exchanges and traditional Christmas lunches are expected to continue, Grant hinted at potential alterations, particularly in the context of New Year's celebrations.

Looking ahead to the New Year, Grant speculated on potential changes in the King's festivities, suggesting a more private and low-key affair reminiscent of the late Queen's preferences.

Despite the shift in leadership and the absence of Queen Elizabeth II, the royal family remains united in honoring her memory and upholding cherished traditions during this poignant holiday season.