Princess Alexandra | Source: Getty Images
Princess Alexandra Makes a Rare Appearance at King Charles’s Festive Lunch: Her Transformation Through the Years
At 88, Princess Alexandra made a quiet return to the royal stage — her first public appearance in months — turning heads with a single, graceful arrival at Buckingham Palace for King Charles III's Christmas Lunch.
Advertisement
She has long stepped back from the royal spotlight — but this week, Princess Alexandra, The Honourable Lady Ogilvy, made a triumphant and touching return to public life, sending royal watchers into a flurry of admiration and nostalgia.
On Tuesday, 16 December, the 88-year-old cousin of the late Queen Elizabeth II was spotted arriving at Buckingham Palace for the annual Royal Christmas Lunch, hosted by King Charles III himself. And though the moment was fleeting — caught only through the windshield of her car — it was enough to stir hearts across the nation.
Alexandra was joined by a who's who of the Windsor inner circle.
Dressed with signature grace, Alexandra wore her silvery hair swept elegantly back, pearl stud earrings glinting under soft winter light, and makeup that was understated, classic, and dignified — topped with a flattering pink lip.
Her presence marked her first public appearance since September, and a significant one at that. The last time Alexandra was seen publicly was at the funeral of the late Katharine, Duchess of Kent, where she was photographed using a wheelchair.
Advertisement
Even before that, the princess had been gradually stepping away from the spotlight. Her last major event was the Order of the Garter service at St George's Chapel in June, and prior to that, she was seen attending the coronation of King Charles III in 2023.
Despite these rare outings, Princess Alexandra's commitment to royal duty has never been in question. For decades, she served tirelessly as Patron or President of numerous charities and organisations, championing causes in the arts, health care, and beyond — all while carrying herself with poise and dedication that earned her the nation's respect.
Tuesday's lunch wasn't just about tradition — it was a powerful show of unity among senior royals. Alexandra was joined by a who's who of the Windsor inner circle: her granddaughter Flora Vesterberg and husband Timothy; Prince Edward, Duke of Kent with Sylvana Tomaselli, Countess of St Andrews; Lady Helen Taylor and her husband Timothy Taylor.
Princess Anne and Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence were in attendance, as were Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, and their daughter Lady Louise Windsor.
Advertisement
The Prince and Princess of Wales arrived with their children — George, Charlotte, and Louis — while Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie also made appearances, with Eugenie joined by her husband Jack Brooksbank.
Notably absent: Andrew, who has reportedly been left out of this year's Christmas Day plans, Sarah Ferguson, and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex — Prince Harry and Meghan Markle — who were not photographed at the palace gathering.
Captured only briefly but remembered vividly, Princess Alexandra's reappearance served as a powerful reminder of the quiet strength and enduring grace she has brought to the monarchy. As she continues to step further from public life, each sighting feels all the more precious — a glimpse into a generation of royals whose sense of duty remains unshakable, even in twilight.
Step back in time to witness her early years of royal service and elegance below — and see how her grace and dedication have endured through the decades.
1985
Advertisement
1 of 15
A vision of regal winter elegance, Princess Alexandra of Kent steps out in St. Moritz in 1985, wrapped in a luxurious fur coat and matching hat. With a quiet grace that defined an era, she marks the unveiling of a sculpture with signature poise and polish.
2 of 15
Caught in a rare moment of levity, Princess Alexandra shares a warm laugh with her husband, Sir Angus Ogilvy, during their Mexican state visit on 11 June 1985. Smiling from their royal carriage, the couple exudes ease and intimacy amid all the pomp and pageantry.
Advertisement
3 of 15
Draped in a vivid blue gown and dazzling in diamonds, Princess Alexandra arrives at a state banquet in honour of Malawi's then-President Hastings Banda on 17 April 1985. With her tiara gleaming and white opera gloves in place, she epitomises royal glamour at its most refined.
1990
4 of 15
Shining under California lights, Princess Alexandra attends the 1990 BAFTA Gala honouring Sir Michael Caine. Carrying a small bouquet and dressed in a gold-detailed gown, she smiles for cameras — a royal touch of elegance at a star-studded celebration.
Advertisement
5 of 15
Dressed in rich purple velvet and a matching hat, Princess Alexandra arrives for the February 1990 wedding of her daughter, Marina Ogilvy. Acknowledging well-wishers with a composed smile, she steps into St Andrew's Church for a deeply personal family milestone.
1995
6 of 15
Princess Alexandra radiates soft sophistication at the Four Seasons Hotel in London, attending a gala dinner for the British Red Cross's 125th anniversary. Wearing a flowing pale gown and shimmering jacket, she joins Sir Angus Ogilvy in support of a cause close to her heart.
Advertisement
2001
7 of 15
Still the picture of grace and dedication, Princess Alexandra and Sir Angus Ogilvy attend a benefit in New York City on 5 November 2001. Supporting the American Associates of the Royal Academy Trust, the couple represent a lifelong devotion to the arts and cultural diplomacy.
2005
8 of 15
In a touching tribute to her late husband, Sir Angus Ogilvy, Princess Alexandra attends a Royal Gala performance of "Madame Butterfly" in London on 16 December 2005. Clad in dark velvet and pearls, she brings a quiet dignity to a night of remembrance and reverence.
Advertisement
9 of 15
Glowing in crisp white and accented with a turquoise scarf, Princess Alexandra smiles graciously at a lunch hosted by the Norwegian Royal Family aboard their yacht on 27 October 2005. Walking just ahead of the Duke of Kent, she steps into the diplomatic moment with undeniable charm.
2011
10 of 15
Standing side by side with the Duchess of Gloucester, Princess Alexandra observes Remembrance Day at the Cenotaph on 13 November 2011. Dressed in solemn black and adorned with red poppies, she honors the fallen with grace, silence, and deep reflection.
Advertisement
2015
11 of 15
Smiling from the back seat of her car, Princess Alexandra arrives at Buckingham Palace for the Queen's Christmas lunch on 16 December 2015. Joining the extended Royal Family, she steps once more into the warmth and tradition of the festive gathering.
2018
12 of 15
Princess Alexandra beams as she presents the Royal Hunt Cup at Ascot on 20 June 2018. Dressed in crisp white with a wide-brimmed hat, she shares the winning moment with jockey William Lee — a cherished highlight of the British social calendar.
Advertisement
2023
13 of 15
Adorned in ceremonial robes and insignia, Princess Alexandra joins the Duke of Kent and Duchess of Gloucester on the Buckingham Palace balcony following the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla on 6 May 2023. The senior royals greet the jubilant crowds below in a moment steeped in history.
2025
14 or 15
Arriving with quiet reverence, Princess Alexandra attends a vigil for the late Katharine, Duchess of Kent, at Westminster Cathedral on 15 September 2025. Dressed in black and seated in a wheelchair, she honours a fellow royal in a deeply moving Rite of Reception and Vespers.
Advertisement
15 of 15
Princess Alexandra of Kent makes a rare appearance at Buckingham Palace for King Charles III’s Christmas lunch on 16 December 2025. Seen through her car window, the 88-year-old royal returns for a cherished festive tradition, surrounded by generations of family.
Advertisement
Advertisement
