Queen leads Royals in tribute at Festival of Remembrance

This evening was a Royal bonanza, as members of the extended Royal Family attended the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall on the eve of Remembrance Sunday. Lead by The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh, guests included William and Kate, and Charles and Camilla.

Broadcast live on BBC One, the annual festival is full of song, music, poetry and performance, creating a touching tribute to the men and women who have served and continue to serve their country in front of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.

It is organised by the Royal British Legion of which The Queen is patron, and Prince Philip a life member. The event has been held since 1923, and it was in 1971 that Her Majesty gave the British Legion its Royal Charter, allowing for the prefix to be used.

Dressed in black as the event dictates, Prince Charles and Camilla, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, Prince Edward and The Countess of Wessex, The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, The Duke of Kent and Princess Alexandra were all in the Royal box, medals and poppies affixed to their chests.

Prime Minister Theresa May joined the Royals too, alongside members of the public.

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Performers included Michael Ball and Alfie Boe who gave a rendition of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’, Laura Mvula, Birdy and Alexander Armstrong, who performed alongside the Royal Air Force Squadronaires and the Band of the Royal Marines.

This year’s focus was the commemoration of the centenary of the Battle of the Somme, the first major naval battle of WWI, the Battle of Jutland in which over 6000 Brits died, the 25th anniversary of Gulf War and 80th anniversary of Supermarine Spitfire.

The Festival culminated – as it does every year – with a poppy petals being released from the roof and a two minute silence.

Tomorrow Royals will gather at the cenotaph for Remembrance Sunday.