The Prince of Wales has shared a poignant message to young people about the importance of wearing a red poppy, as he says “remembrance is for everyone”
Prince William tells young people about the importance of wearing red poppy
In honour of Armistice Day, Prince William is sharing a poignant message to remind young people of the importance of wearing a red poppy.
The Prince of Wales has appeared in a video message to children across the UK at the Royal British Legion’s Remembrance Assembly this morning, which brings together children aged 9-14 in schools, libraries, home education and other learning settings across the UK.
In the message, William said that Armistice Day is a time to “stop and reflect” on the importance of the historic day, while ensuring the legacy of the soldiers who fought for their country is continued.
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William says: “Armistice Day is an important time for us to stop and reflect – it is a reminder that remembrance is for everyone. When we remember, we connect with service in a personal way. We learn from the courage of others, and we carry their stories forward, so they are not forgotten.
“It’s not just about the past – it’s about shaping who we become in the future. Remembrance teaches us empathy, resilience and responsibility. And when we wear a red poppy or take a moment of silence, we are saying, ‘Thank you. We have not forgotten, and we will not forget’.”
The Prince of Wales will also recall his own experience, encouraging the younger generations to remember veterans and serving members of the armed forces alike, saying: “Through my own military experience, as well as through my work in connection with units across the Royal Navy, the Army and the Royal Air Force, I have seen first-hand the hard work, dedication and duty the armed forces carry out to ensure we are protected.
“Coming together for remembrance is a vital way to honour those whose service keeps us safe. Even today, as we continue to face a number of conflicts across the world, we honour those who have gone before us, and those who are serving now.
“Their memories matter, their lives matter, and they remind us to be respectful, kind, brave and thoughtful every day.”
The online learning event includes a two-minute silence at 11am, as well as first-hand testimonies from Second World War veterans, including 101-year-old George Durrant, who served in Burma from 1944 in the Intelligence Corps, and 100-year-old Prince Albert Jacob, who joined the Royal Air Force aged 17 and travelled to the US and Britain to repair planes.
Later today, the Princess of Wales will attend the Service of Remembrance at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire where she will observe a two-minute silence, followed by a wreath laying on the Armed Forces Memorial.
Following the service, William will join the King and Queen at Windsor Castle where a reception will honour veterans who served in the Pacific during the Second World War. The event, which the Duke of Edinburgh and the Duchess of Gloucester will also attend, continues the commemorations for the 80th anniversary of VJ Day.
