Photo: KIRSTY O’CONNOR/POOL/AFP via Getty

Britain’s Catherine, Princess of Wales (L) speaks with First Lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska (L) during a meeting at Buckingham Palace on September 18, 2022. - Britain was gearing up Sunday for the momentous state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II as King Charles III prepared to host world leaders and as mourners queued for the final 24 hours left to view her coffin, lying in state in Westminster Hall at the Palace of Westminster. (Photo by Kirsty O’Connor / POOL / AFP) (Photo by KIRSTY O’CONNOR/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Kate Middletonheld a special audience with Ukraine’s First LadyOlena Zelenskaat Buckingham Palace on Sunday in hernew role as the Princess of Wales.

The Princess of Wales, 40, and the wife of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky appeared deep in conversation in a photo that was released following their private meeting.

Zelenska, 44, is set to attend the Queen’s funeral on Monday on behalf of Ukraine. She is among 500 dignitaries and world leaders who have traveled to London to pay their respects to the late monarch at her funeral.

Kate and her husbandPrince Williamhave previously said they “stand” with “all of Ukraine’s people.”

Kate Middleton attends a lunch held for governors-general of the Commonwealth nations at Buckingham Palace on September 17.Stefan Rousseau - WPA Pool/Getty

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 17: Prince William, Prince of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales during a lunch held for governors-general of the Commonwealth nations at Buckingham Palace on September 17, 2022 in London, England. Foreign dignitaries, heads of state and other VIPs are among the thousands who have visited Westminster Hall to view Queen Elizabeth II lying in state prior to her funeral on Monday. The 96-year-old monarch died at Balmoral Castle in Scotland on September 8, 2022, and is succeeded by her eldest son, King Charles III. (Photo by Stefan Rousseau - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

In March, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge made asurprise visit to the Ukrainian Cultural Centre in Londonto hear about the efforts being made to support Ukrainians in the U.K. and across Europe. They met with members of the Ukrainian community and volunteers to learn about services being offered at the center as well as the challenges they continue to face.

They also brought homemade chocolate brownies and granola bars from Kensington Palace for the volunteers.

Prince William and Kate Middleton.Dan Kitwood/Getty

Prince William and Princess Catherine visit troops

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge previously offeredwords of support for Ukrainein a statement shared on their joint@KensingtonRoyalTwitter account.

“In October 2020 we had the privilege to meet President Zelenskyy and the First Lady to learn of their hope and optimism for Ukraine’s future,” the statement from the couple said. “Today we stand with the President and all of Ukraine’s people as they bravely fight for that future.”

Prince William and Kate Middleton.Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Prince William, Prince of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales view floral tributes at Sandringham

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The death ofQueen Elizabethbrought many changes to the royal family, including a shift in the line of succession, which resulted in title changes for many senior royals.

As Kate becomes known as the Princess of Wales, which William’s mother, the latePrincess Diana, once held, a royal source tells PEOPLE, “the new Princess of Wales appreciates the history associated with this role but will understandably want to look to the future as she creates her own path.”

source: people.com