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Royals lead Armistice Day ceremonies across UK and overseas
The Princess of Wales and Queen Camilla joined separate services on Tuesday to commemorate Armistice Day, as events unfolded worldwide to honor the 1918 end of World War One. At 11:00 GMT, a national two-minute silence marked the moment the conflict ceased, signaled by the Last Post at ceremonies including the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.
Princess of Wales attends Arboretum service for first time
Catherine, the Princess of Wales, made her inaugural appearance at the National Memorial Arboretum, where she laid a wreath at the center of the Armed Forces Memorial. The ceremony, attended by veterans and their families, included a moment of reflection as she bowed her head during prayers for those affected by conflict.
The event featured a newly commissioned poem, A Sonnet For Us All, by the arboretum's poet-in-residence, Arji Manuelpillai. The work draws on stories from the site's hundreds of memorials, inviting attendees to reflect on the emotions behind them. Manuelpillai noted that themes of human connection and carrying love forward resonate with the Princess, who has emphasized service and compassion in her public role.
Queen Camilla joins London commemoration
Queen Camilla traveled by train to Paddington Station, arriving on the 09:28 service from Chippenham, Wiltshire, to participate in a wreath-laying ceremony. The event honored service personnel and their families, blending solemnity with the daily rhythms of the capital's transport hub.
Prince of Wales delivers message on remembrance
In a pre-recorded address aimed at young people aged nine to 14, Prince William underscored the significance of the red poppy and collective remembrance.
"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," he said. "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.'"
The Prince framed remembrance as an active commitment to the future, stating, "It's not just about the past-it's about shaping who we become."
Global tributes and VJ Day anniversary
Later on Tuesday, William will join King Charles and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle for a reception honoring veterans of the Pacific campaign during World War Two. The gathering, part of the 80th-anniversary commemorations for VJ Day (Victory over Japan Day), will also include the Duke of Edinburgh and the Duchess of Gloucester.
Abroad, French President Emmanuel Macron attended a wreath-laying ceremony on the Champs-Élysées in Paris, while the Princess Royal represented the UK in Australia. At Brisbane's Gallipoli Barracks, Princess Anne-accompanied by her husband, Sir Timothy Laurence-laid a wreath and met with current and former military personnel and their families.
Key moments in this year's commemorations
- 11:00 GMT: National two-minute silence observed across the UK.
- Staffordshire: Princess of Wales attends Arboretum service for the first time, lays wreath.
- London: Queen Camilla joins Paddington Station ceremony after train journey.
- Overseas: Princess Anne in Australia; Macron leads Paris tribute.
- Evening: Windsor Castle reception for Pacific veterans marks VJ Day anniversary.
