The Princess of Wales looked visibly moved at today’s Remembrance Service at the Cenotaph – and royal fans have spotted a huge change in her outfit
Princess Kate and Queen Camilla attend Remembrance Sunday service
A sombre Princess of Wales looked visibly moved as she joined the nation in quiet reflection at the annual Remembrance Sunday at the Cenotaph this morning.
Kate watched on as the King and her husband Prince William laid wreaths at the national war memorial in Whitehall before taking part in a national two-minutes’ silence at 11am.
The princess was wrapped up in a black coat and matching hat as she watched the proceedings from the balcony of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. Usually, the princess wears three poppies large poppies pinned to her jacket – but royal watchers have spotted a key change to her outfit this year.
READ MORE: Remembrance Sunday LIVE: King leads nation in silence as sombre Kate watches on
Kate wore one large poppy instead of her usual three. But Queen Camilla wore three flowers, along with Duchess Sophie. Despite it never being confirmed by the palace, one theory is that the royals wear multiple brooches in honour of family members who have fought and died in wars.
Kate’s great-grandmother had three brothers who were all killed in action during World War One and the princess had the opportunity to view letters from her ancestors during an emotional visit to the Imperial War Museum in 2018.
Other female members of the Royal Family often choose to do the same. The late Queen would famously wear a collection of five poppies to the Cenotaph which many believed was her way of paying tribute to the five branches of service, these include: the Army, the Royal Navy and the RAF.
Kate’s outing at the Cenotaph comes after she was joined by Prince George at the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall last night alongside the King and Queen. It was the first time the prince has attended the annual event.
She wore a black dress with a white collar by Alessandra Rich, an HMS Glasgow brooch and earrings belonging to the late Queen, was seated next to her son and was seen chatting and pointing things out to him during the event which included readings, prayers and music.
Kate’s dress was adorned with a handmade poppy created out of silk, glass and other natural materials by Izzy Ager, of Lock and Co, who has recently graduated from the Royal School of Needlework.
On Tuesday, Kate will follow up on her Remembrance Sunday appearance today by helping to lead the nation again in tribute again. Earlier this week, Kensington Palace revealed she will visit the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire for a service of remembrance to mark Armistice Day.
The princess will attend the service at the Armed Forces Memorial as it leads the nation in commemoration on November 11. There she will lay a wreath and take part in the national two-minute silence at 11am.
The service at the National Memorial Arboretum will also feature a reading of a specially commissioned poem by the Arboretum’s Poet in Residence, Arji Manuelpillai, which reflects the importance of personal connections, experiences and bonds that are formed through military service. These are themes that are are particularly close to the Princess’ heart.
The service will also feature performances by Talent in the Ranks and Black Voices. Once the service has concluded, Kate will view the newly dedicated names on the Armed Forces Memorial before meeting veterans in attendance at the service. She will also meet a group of secondary school students from military families, whose parents are currently on deployment, to reflect the often unseen, but important contribution of Service families.
Finally, she will also have the opportunity to view a special exhibition currently on display at the Arboretum, Letters from the Frontline – Words, War and Victory.
