The Princess of Wales led the nation in a moment of silence at 11am today, commemorating the war dead during an emotional Armistice Day event. Kate attended the service at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, where she is set to lay a wreath and engage with families of serving military personnel, veterans, and their loved ones.

The poignant ceremony featured a reading of a specially commissioned poem titled 'A Sonnet For Us All' by Arji Manuelpillai, the Arboretum’s Poet in Residence. The poem explores themes of personal connections and experiences formed through military service, resonating deeply with the Princess.

In addition to the reading, the service included performances by Talent in the Ranks and Black Voices. Following the ceremony, Kate will view the newly dedicated names on the Armed Forces Memorial and meet veterans present at the event. She is also scheduled to interact with secondary school students from military families, highlighting the often-overlooked contributions of Service families.

Furthermore, Kate will have the opportunity to explore a special exhibition titled 'Letters from the Frontline – Words, War and Victory'. This exhibition, produced in collaboration with BBC radio stations across the Midlands, showcases the evolving experiences and emotions of Armed Forces personnel and their families during the final months of the Second World War through a selection of poignant correspondence.

The Royal Family is out in full force today to mark Remembrance Day, a significant date in their calendar. Prince William has recorded a video message for young people, emphasising the importance of wearing a red poppy and stating that “remembrance is for everyone.” His message will be featured at the Royal British Legion’s Remembrance Assembly on Tuesday, which connects children aged 9-14 across various educational settings in the UK.

In his message, Prince William remarked, "Armistice Day is an important time for us to stop and reflect – it is a reminder that remembrance is for everyone. When we remember, we connect with service in a personal way. We learn from the courage of others, and we carry their stories forward, so they are not forgotten. It’s not just about the past – it’s about shaping who we become in the future. Remembrance teaches us empathy, resilience, and responsibility. And when we wear a red poppy or take a moment of silence, we are saying, ‘Thank you. We have not forgotten, and we will not forget.’"

Meanwhile, Queen Camilla marked Armistice Day by participating in the ‘Poppies to Paddington’ initiative. She boarded the 9.28am train from Chippenham in Wiltshire to Paddington in London, surprising commuters as she laid a wreath on Platform 1. This initiative began during the November 2020 Covid lockdown to honour the nation’s war dead. In partnership with The Veterans Charity, wreaths are placed on early morning train services from over 60 stations, arriving in London for a special Remembrance Day service.

The day’s events reflect a collective commitment to honouring those who have served and sacrificed in conflicts, reinforcing the importance of remembrance in the national consciousness.