Princess Kate has been praised by Canadians this week after she made an appearance at the Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey on Monday. The Princess of Wales, 43, was one of a number of senior royals to attend the event, along with Prince William, the King and Queen Camilla.

At the service, Kate wore a striking red Catherine Walker dress and a matching hat by Gina Foster. This was met with much praise by Canadians online, who believe the colour of the dress could have been a subtle nod to their country. Regardless of whether the dress was worn with this intention or not, royal fans from Canada were quick to praise the future Queen on Instagram.

One fan wrote: “Thank you for always showing your love and support to Canada.”

Another said: “Princess Catherine – thank you for wearing the beautiful Canadian red – You look stunning!”

A third wrote: “Your Royal Highness – you are wearing the colours of the Maple Leaf. Our flag. I noticed it immediately because it’s the exact shade of red. If it is so then I thank you for it. As we negotiate through difficult times.”

Someone else said: “I am Canadian and hope that the Princess of Wales red dress was a quiet salute to Canada.”

Another fan of the princess said: “Whether it was intentional or not, stunning Kate in that stunning red outfit with the lovely white pearls sent a subtle nod to Canada at a very difficult time for our country!”

Other royals who attended the service on March 10 included Princess Anne, and The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.

Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie were both absent from the event this year, which fell on Edward’s 61st birthday.