The Queen and Duchess Camilla head to Westminster Abbey for rare joint engagement

October 15, 2019

It's been so long since we've seen these two at a joint engagement!
<p>On Oct. 15, <strong><a href="/tags/0/queen-elizabeth-ii">the Queen</a></strong> and <strong><a href="/tags/0/camilla-parker-bowles">Duchess Camilla</a></strong> stepped out to Westminster Abbey in London for a rare joint engagement. They were on hand to help the legendary landmark celebrate the 750th anniversary of its consecration with a special service, and they had a great time!
<p>We haven’t seen Camilla and Her Majesty together at an engagement since June 2018, when they stepped out to Medical Detection Dogs, one of the duchess’s patronages.
<p><strong>Click through the gallery (or keep scrolling if you're on mobile) to see the best photos from their day out together!</strong>
<p>Photo: © Tolga Akmen/AFP/Getty Images

The Queen and Camilla arrived at Westminster together, but as is tradition, the monarch got out of their car first. The Abbey is an important landmark for the <Strong><a href="/tags/0/british-royals">Royal Family</a></strong>, and Elizabeth looked thrilled to be there! She shook the hand of <strong>John Hall</strong>, the Abbey's Dean, and had a huge smile on her face.
<p>Photo: © Neil Mockford/GC Images

Camilla followed behind the Queen. Both looked stunning, wearing some of their very best from their wardrobes for the event.
<p>The Queen chose a soft beige coat with pink accents, along with a matching hat full of floral detailing. She wore her favourite flats.
<p>Camilla chose a baby blue dress coat with darker blue stitching around its neckline and hem, a lighter blue dress, nude heels and really cool fascinator! She carried a snakeskin handbag.
<p>Photo: © Eamonn M. McCormack/Getty Images

Her Majesty greeted some of Westminster's staff while heading inside.
<p>Photo: © Paul Ellis/AFP/Getty Images

She then listened John Hall give her a bit of historical information about the Abbey. Her Majesty, who is a keen history buff, seemed fascinated.
<p>Indeed, the Abbey is important to the Royal Family - and to her, as well! She got married there and was crowned there, and it has been the site of five royal weddings during her reign.
<p>Let's also not forget the Queen is the head of the Church of England, too!
<p>Photo: © Paul Ellis/Pool/AFP/Getty Images

John showed the Queen a special plaque dedicated to late former British Prime Minister <strong><a href="/tags/0/winston-churchill">Winston Churchill</a></strong> on the Abbey floor. Of course, Winston was not only a British hero, but he helped guide Elizabeth during the early days of her reign when he was PM in the 1950s. The two remained dear friends for the rest of his life.
<p>Photo: © Paul Ellis - WPA Pool/Getty Images

The Abbey has a long and storied history. It has been the site of every British monarch's coronation – with the exception of Edward V and Edward VIII, who were not crowned – since 1066, when William I (known as “the Conqueror”) invaded England from France.

The Abbey’s origins reportedly date to the 960s, when a community of Benedictine monks were first said to have built a church named St. Peter’s Abbey on the site. When Edward the Confessor, one of the last Anglo-Saxon kings of England, ascended the throne in 1042, he began rebuilding the Abbey, which was completed in 1060 and consecrated in 1065. A year later, Edward became the first English monarch to be buried there when he died. William I became the first recorded English king crowned there, although it is thought to have been the place of the coronation of Harold II, who he overthrew.

The present church, however, started in 1245 under Henry III, who had it built in its current Gothic style. It was consecrated in 1269, the same year Henry died, and was finally finished under Richard II in the 14th century. It was rebuilt in 1517, and its Western towers were not completed until the 18 th century.

More than 3,300 people are buried in the Abbey, including 16 kings and queens, eight British prime ministers, poets, actors, scientists and other leaders.

Photo: © Paul Ellis/Pool/AFP/Getty Images

The Queen received a bouquet from a youngster after the service, which she graciously accepted.
<p>Photo: © Eamonn M. McCormack/Getty Images

Camilla also received one and had some kind words for the young man who presented it to her.
<p>Photo: © Tolga Akmen/AFP/Getty Images

The Queen smiled and had some words for well-wishers before heading back to her car.
<p>Photo: © Eamonn M. McCormack/Getty Images

Looking happy, Her Majesty got in.
<p>Photo: © Neil Mockford/GC Images

As she and Camilla pulled away, they both looked like they were engaged in some great conversation about the morning's events. We're glad to have seen them together again!
<p>Photo: © Neil Mockford/GC Images