Prince George attended the Festival of Remembrance for the first time on Saturday, joining his grandfather King Charles III, Queen Camilla, and his mother, the Princess of Wales, at the Royal Albert Hall.
The Royal Family was greeted by a fanfare as they entered the hall for the annual event, held on the eve of Remembrance Sunday to commemorate Britain’s fallen service members. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and his wife, Lady Victoria, were also in attendance.
This year’s festival held special significance, marking the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings and the 25th anniversary of the lifting of the ban on gay people serving in the armed forces. The service paid tribute to the discrimination faced by former LGBT personnel.
Twelve-year-old Prince George sat with the Princess of Wales in the royal box. Absent from the event was the Prince of Wales, who was returning from the COP30 climate summit in Brazil.
Hosted by actress Hannah Waddingham, the festival featured musical performances by artists including Sir Rod Stewart and Sam Ryder, accompanied by several armed forces bands. The Royal Family joined the audience in a standing ovation for the Chelsea Pensioners, who marched across the stage to a performance of “The Boys Of The Old Brigade.”
The event honoured veterans from numerous conflicts, including planners of the D-Day landings and former prisoners of war. Reflecting the festival’s theme of inclusivity, members of the LGBTQ+ veterans charity Fighting With Pride were also featured guests.
On Remembrance Sunday, the King will lead the nation in a two-minute silence at the Cenotaph in central London. He will be joined by senior royals and political leaders to lay wreaths at the National Service of Remembrance. Following the service, some 10,000 veterans, including around 20 from World War Two, will participate in the Royal British Legion’s march-past.
Reflecting on the commemorations, the Prime Minister said the nation would pause “to honour all those who have served our country.” He added, “We reflect on the extraordinary courage of our armed forces in the world wars and subsequent conflicts, whose service secured the freedoms we cherish today. Their legacy is peace and our duty is to protect it.”
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