The Princess of Wales led the nation in commemorating Armistice Day during a Service of Remembrance at the Armed Forces Memorial. It was the first time Catherine had attended the service at the National Memorial Arboretum.
It comes after Catherine joined members of the Royal Family in commemorating Remembrance Sunday and attending the annual Festival of Remembrance, where Prince George made his debut.
Her Royal Highness joined attendees in observing the two-minute silence at 11am before laying a wreath in remembrance. Her wreath read: “In memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice, we will remember them.”
The Arboretum is designed in a way that at precisely 11:00am on 11th November 11, a ray of light falls on the bronze wreath in its centre.
The service featured a reading of a specially commissioned poem by the arboretum’s Poet in Residence, Arji Manuelpillai, which reflected the importance of personal connections, experiences and bonds that are formed through military service.
The service also featured performances by Talent in the Ranks and Black Voices.
After the service, Her Royal Highness will viewed the newly dedicated names on the Armed Forces Memorial before meeting veterans in attendance at the service.
Catherine was introduced to Squadron Leader Beth Long and her daughters Scarlett and Sophie, the family of Squadron Leader Mark Long who died in a Spitfire crash during Battle of Britain Memorial Flight duties in May 2024. Mr Long’s name is the most recent to be engraved on the wall.
She was then met by Hayley Lawrence, a Royal Army Medical Corps veteran, and Steve Cartwright, a Royal Engineers veteran.
Outside the building, Kate joked with onlookers about her hat almost blowing off in the wind, saying: ‘I thought I was going to lose it at one time’, and thanked them when they asked her if she was well. She replied ‘Yes I am’.
The royal was given flowers as she met pupils from Newport Girls’ High School at the memorial.
She held the hand of VE and VJ Day veteran Donald Redston as the 100-year-old told her about the keep-fit regime he credits for keeping him well. Asked for his top tips by Catherine, Mr Redston told Kate he used to run marathons, including the London Marathon aged 65 and the New York Marathon aged 66.
The Princess said the arboretum was a ‘special place’ and that she enjoyed hearing the personal experiences of veterans. She also revealed that her eldest, Prince George, was a fan of World War Two model airplanes.
The National Memorial Arboretum has a longstanding relationship with the Royal Family, having been opened by the late Queen in 2007.
Today’s visit was believed to have been special to The Princess, who had relatives service in World War Two, including her paternal’s grandfather who served as a fighter pilot.
