This evening, The Queen led the Royal Family and members of the public who attended the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall; 2018 marks 100 years since the Armistice of the First World War.
The evening is to honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country, organised by the Royal British Legion.
Embed from Getty Images Embed from Getty Images
Embed from Getty Images Embed from Getty Images
Embed from Getty Images Embed from Getty Images
Her Majesty was joined by Prince Charles and Camilla, with The Prince of Wales sitting next to his mother, who was not joined by Prince Philip. The Duke of Edinburgh of course served in the Royal Navy during the Second World War.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were also present in the royal box, alongside The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, The Duke of York, The Princess Royal and Sir Tim Lawrence, The Earl and Countess of Wessex, The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, The Duke of Kent, and Prince Michael of Kent.
The royal family at the festival of remembrance this evening (bbc still)
Prime Minister Theresa May was in the audience, along with some familiar celebrity faces like Carole Vorderman and Sir Michael Morpurgo. Huw Edwards once again hosted the evening.
The teen cellist who played at Harry and Meghan’s May wedding, Sheku Kanneh-Mason, performed Leonard Cohen’s ‘Halleluja’, while Sir Tom Jones sang ‘Coming in on a Wing and a Prayer’, and Sheridan Smith gave a rendition of ‘Are You Just Sleeping’. Bryn Terfel perfromed Amazing Grace, and a specially written song marking the centenary of the RAF was sang by McFly lead singers Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones.
sheku plays halleluja
Of course, all music was performed with bands from the armed forces, including Royal Marine drummers, and army trumpeters, as well as the Central Band of the Royal Air Force. Hymns sang included ‘Jerusalem’ and ‘I Vow to Thee My Country’.
To mark the special anniversary, each member of the audience was given a photograph of a person who died in the conflict as ‘Halleluja’ played, making for emotional watching.
pictures were held up of lives lost in wwi (bbc still)
Real-life stories accompanied the evening’s performances, including tales of heroism both old and new, stories of injured servicemen and women, and readings of memorial texts. The Duke of Cambridge also appeared in a video about the Headley Court rehabilitation centre.
real life stories were shared
? As part of the #FestivalofRemembrance, The Duke of Cambridge, Patron of the @DNRCOfficial Appeal, shares the story of the new National Defence and Rehabilitation Centre – which has been supported by the @PoppyLegion. pic.twitter.com/d5RCCxq6pg
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) November 10, 2018
Chelsea Pensioners were given a standing ovation as they walked out in front of the audience, and serving members of the Army, Navy, Marines, RAF, Auxiliary Services and other branches marched onto the floor and stood in formation.
the last post was played (bbc still)
As the Last Post ended a two minutes’ silence, poppies fell from the ceiling.
The Queen waved after serving troops gave her three cheers from the stage floor; it marked the end of the evening.
Earlier today, Prince Harry laid a wreath at Twickenham Stadium, ahead of the England vs New Zealand rugby match. The Duke of Sussex is patron of England Rugby, and remembered those who have served and given their lives for their country.
Tomorrow we will see the Royals out in force again for the Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph; once more The Queen will stand on the Foreign Office balcony. The Duke of Edinburgh will not be joining her. The Prince of Wales will lay a wreath on behalf of the nation.
We will remember them.
2 comments
It is very meaningful that British royal family remembers and express respect to those who have served and given their lives for their country., i think.
it is good that you never forget the war and all the evil it caused … so as not to repeat