Prince George made his debut appearance at the Royal British Legion’s Festival of Remembrance alongside King Charles, Queen Camilla, and the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton. Attendees at the iconic Royal Albert Hall in London rose in applause as the royal family entered, accompanied by the jubilant sounds of trumpeters’ fanfare on Saturday evening.
Kate Middleton impressed in a stylish black dress, featuring a white collar designed by Alessandra Rich, complemented by an HMS Glasgow brooch and pearl earrings that once belonged to the late Queen. Sitting next to her was Prince George, who looked engaged as his mother shared moments of reflection with him throughout the event. The princess accentuated her outfit with a distinctive handmade poppy, crafted from silk and other natural materials by Izzy Ager, a recent graduate of the Royal School of Needlework.
Prominent political figures were also in attendance, including Sir Keir Starmer and his wife, Lady Victoria Starmer, who were spotted taking their seats just prior to the royal family’s arrival. This year’s festival holds special significance as it commemorates the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and the 25th anniversary of the UK Government’s repeal of the ban on gay, lesbian, and bisexual personnel serving openly in the armed forces, prompting reflections on past discrimination.
The evening featured captivating performances from artists such as Sir Rod Stewart, Sam Ryder, and Keala Settle, along with musical contributions from the Central Band of the RAF, the RAF Squadronaires, and the Band of HM Royal Marines. The royal family joined the audience in giving a standing ovation to the Chelsea Pensioners, dressed in their distinguished red uniforms, as they marched across the stage.
As the event unfolded, Prince George observed emotional videos showcasing veterans reminiscing about their experiences and honoring fallen comrades. Hannah Waddingham, notable for her role in “Ted Lasso,” hosted the evening. Wearing a striking purple dress embellished with a poppy, she performed “We’ll Meet Again” and paid tribute to her veteran grandfather, highlighting the enduring bravery of those who served.
The Prince of Wales was notably absent, returning from the COP30 UN Climate Change summit in Belem. King Charles, who was appointed patron of the Royal British Legion last year, is set to lead the nation in a two-minute silence at the National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph in London on Sunday.
The Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance will be broadcast on BBC One at 9 pm, bringing the touching tributes and performances to homes across the country. This event underscores the importance of honoring those who served and providing a space for reflection and remembrance in the face of changing times.