RETURNING TO ROYAL DUTIES THE PRINCE AND PRINCESS OF WALES ATTEND A POIGNANT ANNIVERSARY SERVICE

It was a place Queen Elizabeth II had visited several times throughout her 70-year reign, so it was fitting that the Prince and Princess of Wales chose St. Davids Cathedral in the Welsh county of Pembrokeshire to pay tribute to her

- EMILY NASH

On the first anniversary of her passing, Prince William and Kate laid white flowers in front of a portrait of the monarch inside the historic landmark and appeared visibly moved as they reflected on her life.

The royal couple attended a touching Accession Day service that remembered Elizabeth "with both sadness and great affection," before stepping forward for the princess to lay a bouquet of ivy, eucalyptus, white roses and waxflowers.

Bowing their heads in silence, William and Kate, both 41, seemed lost in thought before they moved on to look through a book of condolences signed by more than 3,000 people.

Later, during a reception with invited guests in the cathedral's cloisters, Kate spoke about the late monarch with flying instructor Patricia Mawuli Porter, saying, “We all have wonderful memories of her – we have to hold on to them.”

Afterward, Patricia, 35, said, “It was lovely to speak to the princess. She was like an old friend – she can chat to anyone.”

The couple – back on royal duty after their summer break – received a rapturous welcome when they arrived at the 12th-century building at the heart of the U.K.’s smallest city after a delay caused by fog. The crowd broke into spontaneous applause, while one person called out, “You’re doing a great job!”

REMEMBRANCE AND RESPECT