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The late Queen Elizabeth’s cousin Princess Alexandra made a sombre appearance as she joined the Royal Family for the service of thanksgiving at Windsor Castle, for the late King Constantine of Greece today.

The Honourable Lady Ogilvy, 87, whose father is Prince George, Duke of Kent, wore an all black ensemble as she arrived for the occasion in a wheelchair.

She was seen sitting next to her daughter Marina Ogilvy, 57, in the same row as Prince Andrew, Birgitte, Duchess of Gloucester and Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester.

Alexandra opted for a velvet jacket with buttons, and accessorised her ensemble with a hat for today’s service.

She appeared moved by the service, and was seen chatting quietly with her daughter in the chapel. 

The late Queen Elizabeth's cousin Princess Alexandra (left) made a sombre appearance as she joined the Royal Family for the service of thanksgiving at Windsor Castle for the late King Constantine of Greece on Tuesday

The late Queen Elizabeth’s cousin Princess Alexandra (left) made a sombre appearance as she joined the Royal Family for the service of thanksgiving at Windsor Castle for the late King Constantine of Greece on Tuesday

Both women were also seen reaching for tissues during the emotional event. 

Forever chic, and quintessentially diplomatic, Alexandra has never put a foot wrong in a lifetime of public service. 

Lady Ogilvy was not only the late Queen’s cousin, but also one of her closest friends and was once referred to as the ‘unsung heroine’ of the Royal Family.

One biographer also described her as ‘the most efficient working princess in the world’.

Her royal style is muted and unflashy, in stark contrast to some of the more lurid events that have surrounded her life.

She was a bridesmaid at the 1943 wedding of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, while her own wedding to businessman Sir Angus Ogilvy was broadcast to around 200million people 20 years later. 

Lady Ogilvy is 56th in line to the throne, but she has become an integral part of the Royal Family and a stalwart for six decades.

Her father is the Duke of Kent, one of George VI’s younger brothers, and the former King was one of her godparents. Her mother was Princess Marina of Greece and Denmark.

The Honourable Lady Ogilvy, 87, whose father is Prince George, Duke of Kent, wore an all black ensemble as she arrived for the occasion in a wheelchair

The Honourable Lady Ogilvy, 87, whose father is Prince George, Duke of Kent, wore an all black ensemble as she arrived for the occasion in a wheelchair

She was seen sitting next to her daughter Marina Ogilvy, 57, in the same row as Prince Andrew, Birgitte, Duchess of Gloucester and Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester

She was seen sitting next to her daughter Marina Ogilvy, 57, in the same row as Prince Andrew, Birgitte, Duchess of Gloucester and Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester

The Royal Family turned out in force for the service of thanksgiving at Windsor Castle today.

Queen Camilla, 76, led members of the Firm after King Charles III missed the sombre occasion as his treatment for cancer continues, while Prince William had been due to give a reading but pulled out for ‘personal reasons’.

No further detail was given on William’s absence, and it is not known if this relates to his wife, the Princess of Wales’ ongoing recovery after her abdominal surgery last month. 

The Prince of Wales is understood to have called the Greek Royal family to apologise, while Kensington Palace confirmed Kate was ‘doing well’ as she recovers at home. 

Camilla was joined by Prince Andrew, his ex-wife Sarah, Duchess of York, their daughter Princess Beatrice, King Charles’ sister Princess Anne, and her daughter Zara Tindall, as well as the late King Constantine’s widow Queen Anne-Marie, their eldest son, Crown Prince Pavlos and other members of the Greek royal family.

The Royal Family turned out in force for the service of thanksgiving at Windsor Castle today. Queen Camilla pictured

The Royal Family turned out in force for the service of thanksgiving at Windsor Castle today. Queen Camilla pictured

She appeared to brush away tears as she watched the ceremony

She appeared to brush away tears as she watched the ceremony

In an emotional display of affection for her husband’s late relative, she appeared to brush away tears as she watched the ceremony

Camilla smiled warmly

Camilla outside the chapel

Camilla smiled warmly as she met with people outside the chapel for today’s memorial service in Windsor

Camilla was greeted as she attended the thanksgiving service for the life of King Constantine in Windsor Castle

Camilla was greeted as she attended the thanksgiving service for the life of King Constantine in Windsor Castle

The royals turned out in force for the service, with the Princess Royal ringed by the Duke of Gloucester, Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, and in the row behind Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, Sarah Duchess of York, Lady Helen Taylor and the Duke of Kent

The royals turned out in force for the service, with the Princess Royal ringed by the Duke of Gloucester, Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, and in the row behind Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, Sarah Duchess of York, Lady Helen Taylor and the Duke of Kent

Camilla appeared calm and confident in an elegant pinstripe outfit as she stepped up as the most senior figure representing the British monarchy in Charles’ absence.

Camilla has been long-praised as the strength and stay of the royal family, and has stepped up to lead the firm after the King’s shock cancer diagnosis.

As she leads both British and foreign royals it is this strength of character that will allow her to stabilise the ship.

Princess Anne previously admitted she ‘does her role really well’ despite ‘not being a natural’, while a former royal butler praised her ‘steady hand on the tiller’.

Lady Ogilvy (pictured left with the Duke of Kent and the Duchess of Gloucester during the King's Coronation) was not only the late Queen¿s cousin, but also one of her closest friends and was once referred to as the 'unsung heroine' of the Royal Family

Lady Ogilvy (pictured left with the Duke of Kent and the Duchess of Gloucester during the King’s Coronation) was not only the late Queen’s cousin, but also one of her closest friends and was once referred to as the ‘unsung heroine’ of the Royal Family

The Queen admitted six years ago that royal life is ‘tiring’, but has nevertheless stepped up to continue working, leading the nation in her husband’s absence.

Exiting the ceremony, Camilla appeared confident as she stood by Queen Anne Marie of Greece at the conclusion of the service, with Princess Anne smiling on her right hand.

Wearing a somber black jacket with a subtle pinstripe, she paired it with a matching skirt and a wide-brimmed hat with a dark fringe.

She smiled warmly at those gathered to meet her, before entering the venue and adopting a solemn and dignified silence.

And in an emotional display of affection for her husband’s late relative, she appeared to brush away tears as she watched the ceremony.

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This post first appeared on Daily mail