The Duchess of Cambridge watched the ceremony from the balcony of the Foreign Office in Whitehall with Princess Alexandra and The Countess of Wessex.
Today's Remembrance marked a significant moment for the royal family. For the first time in her reign (aside from a handful of occasions she was absent when pregnant or overseas), the Queen did not lay a wreath, instead leading the service from a balcony. Her Majesty asked Prince Charles to lay her wreath, a decision seen as an example of a shift in head of state duties from the Queen to the heir to the throne. Buckingham Palace said the decision reflected her wish to be next to Prince Philip on this poignant day. Prince Philip's wreath was laid by his equerry.
Due to the length of the service and the Queen's age, it seems a sensible decision, although it was with a tinge of sadness I saw Rebecca English's tweet, "We will never see HM lay a wreath at the Cenotaph again."
The Queen and Prince Philip were joined on the balcony by The Duchess of Cornwall. I thought Prince Philip looked incredibly frail today, in a number of photos he appeared to be leaning against the wall for support. It's easy to forget he's approaching his 97th birthday. His presence today is once again a testament to his unwavering sense of duty.
The Duchess sang a hymn.
The National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph in Whitehall is a unique expression of homage devoted to the memory of those who have given their lives in war.
It was originally conceived as a commemoration of the First World War's dead by King George V in 1919, but after the Second World War the scope of the ceremony was extended to focus on the dead of both wars. Remembrance Day or Memorial Day is observed in Commonwealth countries.
Remembrance Sunday is marked on the second Sunday in November.
As the clock struck eleven, a two minute silence was observed. The silence represents the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918, when the guns of Europe fell silent. The time is marked by the firing of a field gun on Horse Guards Parade.
From GOV.UK: 'Every year, the two minute silence for the remembrance service on Whitehall is conducted with military precision. On Horse Guards Parade the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery fire their First World War guns to mark the start of the silence, and a Corps of Army Music bugler from the Household Division marks its end at precisely the same time that the guns fire again, 120 seconds later.'
The chimes of Big Ben were heard for the first time in almost three months this weekend, for Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday. Repair work is being carried out since August.
Prince Charles lays the Queen's wreath.
Prince Charles lays the Queen’s wreath on her behalf for the first time. A small moment of royal history #RemembranceSunday pic.twitter.com/AdoeifNYQV— Chris Ship (@chrisshipitv) November 12, 2017
In this photo, you can see Her Majesty watching on as Charles lays the wreath on her behalf.
The scene at the Cenotaph.
William wore his RAF Uniform and Harry his Household Cavalry Uniform.
The Duchess leaving the balcony after the service.
Th march past is always a special part of Remembrance Sunday.
It is a chance for veterans to remember and spend time with those they served with.
The smiles in this photo are simply wonderful.
RAF veterans march past the Cenotaph.
RAF veterans march past The Cenotaph on #RemembranceSunday pic.twitter.com/CrGfv5V2vS— Royal Air Force (@RoyalAirForce) November 12, 2017
A video from the Army in London.
It is the seventh consecutive year Kate has attended.
The Duchess looked solemn in a black coat.
The always eagle-eyed Heaven identified it as the Dolce & Gabbana Crossover Button Coat. The black wool and silk-blend double breasted button-down coat features a collarless design, round neckline, buttonhole on the front, front flap pockets, long sleeves, pleated waist, mid-calf length and straight hem.
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| Dolce & Gabbana |
Kate brought back her wide brimmed black Philip Treacy hat.
It has been in her possession for quite some time. Below, Kate wearing it at William's passing out parade at Sandhurst in 2006 and for Remembrance Sunday 2012.
The Duchess accessorised with her Oscar de la Renta Pearl Sun Star Button earrings. More from the product description "Make a subtle statement in our wear-with-everything button earrings. Crafted with striking gold-plated sun stars, this darling pair is set with lustrous Japanese resin pearls." They retail for $175 at Oscar de la Renta.
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| Oscar de la Renta |
Kate wore three poppies on her lapel. Each poppy likely represents a relative who served in the forces. One of Kate's great uncle's was killed during the Battle of the Somme.
The team at Cornelia James believe Kate wore their Beatrice gloves.The merino wool bow gloves are available in an assortment of colours.
Kate's hair was styled in a faux bob today, Amal Clooney walked the red carpet with a similar style recently.
Last night, we discussed the Royal British Legion's work recreating lines of the renowned poem ‘In Flanders Fields’ in iconic locations, as part of their annual Poppy Appeal. It feels most appropriate to end the post with a look at one of the images from Dunkirk Beach in France.
Lest we forget.
The Duchess of Cambridge will visit the Hornsey Road Children's Centre in London on Tuesday.
