On Remembrance Sunday, when the nation gathers to remember the fallen servicemen and women since World War One, The Queen’s duty of laying a wreath is to be made easier – by lessening the weight of the wreath itself.
The Queen lays the first wreath on Remembrance Sunday at the Cenotaph – but this year it will be lighter. (Harland Quarrington/Crown Copyright)
Her Majesty, now 90, has bore the weight of a 12lb wreath (5.5kg) since she began laying wreaths in 1945, and then continued to do so as Sovereign from 1952.
Now, the wreath is to be made with lighter materials, instead of the usual hardboard, broom and crepe paper, mounted on a metal frame. It is another sign the Monarch’s age is being taken into consideration in her duties.
Last year, the service was shortened taking into consideration the advancing age of both The Queen and Prince Philip, as well as the veterans who line the cenotaph.
Political leaders and the Prime Minister were made to place their poppy emblems together, instead of separately to speed up the process in the cold November weather.
The Queen and King Willem Alexander arrive at the Remembrance Sunday service at The Cenotaph. Picture by Stephen Lock / i-Images
Queen Maxima, the Duchess of Cambridge, Countess of Wessex and Sir Tim Lawrence at the Remembrance Sunday service at The Cenotaph. Picture by Stephen Lock / i-Images
King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands joined the traditional proceedings in 2015, to say thank you from the Dutch people for British help and liberation during World War II.
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