If the Duchess of Cambridge and her father-in-law Prince Charles have been upset by reports of a family row they certainly weren't showing it as they attended the Commonwealth Day Service. There appeared to be no animosity between the two as they kissed each other in greeting and talked together animatedly, despite recent reports which have suggested that Prince Charles is unhappy with the amount of time he gets to spend with his grandson, Prince George.
Touching Charles's shoulder with familiarity, the Duchess, née Kate Middleton, looked to be in the middle of a funny story, as Charles, the heir to the throne, closed his eyes in laughter.
© Photo: Getty ImagesThe service was one of Kate's final engagements before her due date
It's a frequent scene between the two. From garden parties at Buckingham Palace to joint charity engagements, the pair, who have known each other for over a decade, are regularly caught in the middle of conversation - often with Charles in the middle of a chuckle.
Charles and his wife Camilla were quick to visit their son and daughter-in-law following the birth of their first grandson in 2013, and speaking of the happy couple's second pregnancy, Charles revealed that he was hoping for a granddaughter: "I’m happy I’m going to be a grandfather again. I’m looking forward to it – but I hope it will be a girl this time."
At the Commonwealth Day Service, the pair were accompanied by Prince William and Camilla. The four conversed together before taking their seats for the service, which is celebrated around the Commonwealth.
© Photo: Getty ImagesKate and Charles were joined by Prince William and Camilla
In a pre-recorded speech, with the theme of A Young Commonwealth, the Queen advised that the Commonwealth can only flourish "if its ideas and ideals continue to be young and fresh and relevant to all generations".
She cited the success of the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow as an example of "youthfulness and vitality", and credit the Commonwealth as a "globally diverse and inclusive community".
