The Prince and Princess of Wales led the applause as the crowd touchingly honoured the families of fallen soldiers at the Festival of Remembrance tonight.
The Royal couple appeared solemn as the applause erupted at the Royal Albert Hall in tribute to the servicemen and women who sacrificed their lives for Britain.
The lavish venue eagerly clapped as military personnel laid roses to honour those who had passed in Afghanistan, with Ben O’Donnell the son of late warrant officer Gary O’Donnell placing the final flower.
Tonight is the Princess of Wales’ first high profile appearance since being diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer, in a year described by William as the ‘hardest’ of his life, where he remarked how proud he was of his father and wife for their bravery.
Kate was radiant as she cut a sleek figure in a black dress walking alongside Prince William into the lavish Kensington venue to celebrate Britain’s servicemen and women this evening.
The Prince and Princess of Wales led the applause as the crowd touchingly honoured the families of fallen soldiers at the Festival of Remembrance tonight
The Royal couple appeared solemn as military personnel honoured fallen servicemen and women who lost their lives during the conflict in Afghanistan
The Prince and Princess of Wales honouring Britain’s servicemen and women at the Royal Albert Hall
Princess Kate, Prince William, Prince of Wales, King Charles as well Britain’s Princess Anne, Princess Royal clap as they pay tribute to British military personnel
A band has taken to centre of the stage at tonight’s festivities at the Royal Albert Hall
Kate donned one Poppy this year, despite being renowned for pinning three to herself in previous years for the Remembrance weekend events.
His Majesty, who became Patron of the Royal British Legion earlier this year, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, as well as Princess Anne were in attendance at tonight’s proceedings.
The Duke of Kent, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucestershire and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence were seated in the Royal Box tonight, as those who put their lives on the line for King and Country are celebrated.
The Prince and Princess of Wales were seen chatting to one another as they took their seats at the Royal British Legion’s Festival of Remembrance.
The King received applause as he sat down at the event which honours sacrifices made by the British and Commonwealth armed forces community and includes musical performances and personal testimonies.
The Royal family also stood to applaud World War II veterans who gave their lives for Britain.
The Princess of Wales, whose chic hair swept effortlessly to the side, spoke to the Prince William after joining in applause, as the Royals proceeded to join in the singing of a hymn.
Kate continues to glow as she leaves tonight service at the Royal Albert Hall
The Royal couple appeared happy as they looked forward to the Remembrance weekend ahead
The Princess of Wales cheerily smiles at others whilst the Royal couple leave the event
Kate shakes the hand of an official as she and William prepare to leave the Royal Albert Hall
King Charles III appears upbeat as he leaves tonight Remembrance Festival
The King will continue to honour fallen soldiers tomorrow at the Cenotaph in Whitehall
Princess Anne leaving tonight festivities at the Royal Albert Hall
The Princess of Wales is beaming as she appears at the Royal Albert Hall for the Festival of Remembrance for her first high-profile appearance in months after cancer treatment
The Princess of Wales had undergone treatment for an undisclosed cancer over the past few months, taking a step back from her duties due to her health
Princess Kate glows as she shakes hands with officials as she enters the event at the Royal Albert Hall
Kate looked radiant as she cut a sleek figure in a stunning black dress with a Poppy pin honouring Britain’s military tonight
A bearded Prince William enters the Royal Albert Hall upbeat in a blue suit alongside Princess Kate
Prince of Wales was also in attendance alongside a glowing Kate as tonight’s Remembrance events
The Princess of Wales walking up the stairs as she prepares to take her seat in the Royal Box at tonight’s event
A bearded Prince William and Princess Kate were all smiles this evening as they clap as the performers take to the stage
Princess Kate was beaming with pride in the Royal box as they honoured British military personnel
The Royal couple look intently on as the performances of the night continue
The Prince of Wales puts a comforting arm around the Princess of Wales as they entered tonight’s Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall
The King as well as the Prince and Princess of Wales all stood to join the rendition of Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer at the Royal British Legion event.
The Royal emblem was laid over the rail in front of the royal box at the concert hall in South Kensington, London.
King Charles III and the Princess Royal beamed with pride as the Chelsea Pensioners marched centre stage, with Prince William and Princess Kate clapping along with the crowd.
After the military personnel marched in unison, an upbeat King Charles stood and waved to the cheering crowd.
Hosted by Adrian Lester, several British music icons took to the stage to honour the servicemen and women, including Sir Tom Jones, Alexandra Burke, Jack Savoretti and many more.
However the Queen was noticeably absent from both tonight’s event as well as the Remembrance Day service at the Cenotaph tomorrow after becoming unwell with a ‘seasonal chest infection’.
A Palace spokesperson confirmed earlier today: ‘Following doctors’ guidance to ensure a full recovery from a seasonal chest infection, and to protect others from any potential risk, Her Majesty will not attend this weekend’s Remembrance events.
‘While this is a source of great disappointment to The Queen, she will mark the occasion privately at home and hopes to return to public duties early next week.’
It is understood there is no cause for alarm, and no downturn in her condition. The Queen is said to be mindful of minimising the risk of passing any last lingering infection to others.
Princess Catherine who is recovering from cancer and King Charles, who is still having ongoing treatment for cancer, are both attending this weekend’s Remembrance events
Britain’s King Charles and Britain’s Princess Anne applauding during the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance tonight
The Wales’s clapped along with the crowd in unison as the Chelsea Pensioners took to the stage
The Chelsea Pensioners appearing at the Royal Albert Hall tonight
The King looked upbeat as he arrived at the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance
King Charles arrived solo after Queen Camilla announced earlier she would not be attending tonight’s event due to an ongoing chest infection
Princess Anne attends The Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall in London
The Princess Royal will be in attendance alongside her brother His Majesty King Charles III as well as the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh
Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward and Sophie heading into tonight’s events
Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh entering the Royal Albert Hall
Prince Richard – the Duke of Gloucester – heading into the event celebrating the nation’s servicemen and women
Birgitte, the Duchess of Gloucester makes her way into the Royal Albert Hall in Kensington this evening
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his wife Victoria Starmer attend the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall in London
The Prime Minister and his wife are all smiles as they enter the Royal Albert Hall tonight
In a video Kate released in September, she revealed she had finished her chemotherapy treatment, and spoke of how she was ‘looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months’.
But she added her focus was ‘doing what I can to stay cancer free’.
William said on Wednesday during his trip to Cape Town that his wife was ‘doing really well’ and has been ‘amazing this whole year’.
The Princess, 42, has made just a handful of public appearances so far in 2024, after she underwent major abdominal surgery in January and then was diagnosed with cancer.
Her last engagement was a month ago, when she made a surprise trip to meet families whose children were killed in the Southport attack and speak to emergency workers who helped at the scene after the devastating knife attack.
In her heartfelt video in September, Kate opened up about her cancer journey, as the Wales family were shown enjoying time together outdoors.
The princess said she was entering ‘this new phase of recovery with a renewed sense of hope and appreciation of life’.
‘The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family,’ she said.
She added: ‘Although I have finished chemotherapy, my path to healing and full recovery is long.’
Prince William, wearing a Hackett polo shirt, and the Princess of Wales, wearing a Roman blue dress, appeared together in a video released by Kensington Palace in September
The Prince said his year has been ‘dreadful’ adding: ‘It’s probably been the hardest year in my life. So, trying to get through everything else and keep everything on track has been really difficult.’ (Pictured L-R: Prince Louis, Prince William, Princess of Wales, Princess Charlotte and Prince George)
Catherine, the Princess of Wales (pictured) revealed earlier this year that she had been diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer
According to Prince William, ‘from a personal family point of view, it’s been brutal’
At the start of October, the princess was pictured hugging an aspiring teenage photographer with a rare and aggressive form of cancer after inviting her to take pictures at investitures at Windsor Castle.
Kate met Liz Hatton, 16, from Harrogate, and her family privately after the ceremony with William.
In June, Kate looked relaxed during her first day in the spotlight following her diagnosis when she appeared at the traditional Trooping the Colour ceremony.
She took part in the carriage procession and joined William and their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis and other royals on the Palace balcony.
It came the day after a health update from Kate, who was pictured in the grounds of the Windsor Castle estate, standing in a tranquil setting against a weeping willow tree near a lake.
She issued a written message saying she was ‘making good progress’ and had ‘good days and bad days’, but added: ‘I am not out of the woods yet.’
A few weeks later she made another rare appearance when she presented the Wimbledon men’s final trophy to Carlos Alcaraz.
The princess, patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, was accompanied by Charlotte and chatted to ball boys and girls, and entered Centre Court to loud applause.
She has also met aides to discuss staging her annual Christmas carol service in December, and held meetings on her early years work.
Also attending the Festival of Remembrance and the Cenotaph service were the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, the Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, and the Duke of Kent.
Buckingham Palace announced on Tuesday that the Queen, who has just completed a mammoth tour of Australia and Samoa with King Charles, was cancelling her forthcoming engagements due to a chest infection.
A Buckingham Palace spokesman said at the time: ‘Her Majesty The Queen is currently unwell with a chest infection, for which her doctors have advised a short period of rest.
William and Kate at the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall on November 11, 2023
Kate attended the Remembrance Sunday ceremony at the Cenotaph on November 12, 2023
Queen Camilla pictured alongside the Princess of Wales during the National Service Of Remembrance at The Cenotaph in 2023
Buckingham Palace announced on Tuesday that the Queen (pictured) was cancelling her forthcoming engagements due to a chest infection.
The Queen has just completed a mammoth tour of Australia and Samoa with King Charles. The couple are pictured smiling together during a visit to a beach in Apia, Samoa
Camilla is resting at home in Wiltshire after falling ill following her long-haul trip to Australia and Samoa
‘With great regret, Her Majesty has therefore had to withdraw from her engagements for this week but she very much hopes to be recovered in time to attend this weekend’s Remembrance events as normal.
‘She apologises to all those who may be inconvenienced or disappointed as a result.’
The 77-year-old royal is understood to be recovering at home in Wiltshire and is being monitored by doctors.
Camilla’s condition meant that she had to reluctantly withdraw from the annual opening of the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey on Thursday; with the Duchess of Gloucester, 78, standing in for her.
The Queen also had to cancel an appearance at a reception at Buckingham Palace honouring the nation’s Olympic and Paralympic stars the very same day.
Camilla is anticipated to return to work as soon as next week and is set to host a reception for authors shortlisted for this year’s Booker Prize at Clarence House.
She is also expected to attend the glitzy global premiere of Gladiator II at the Royal Film Performance in London’s Leicester Square next Wednesday evening.
Buckingham Palace announced the King and Camilla will meet the stars of the blockbuster, Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington, Connie Nielsen and Pedro Pascal, and director Sir Ridley Scott.
The reception marks the centenary of the Film and TV Charity, of which Charles is patron. The events are taking place on the eve of the King’s birthday, with Charles turning 76 next Thursday.
Tomorrow the King alongside other members of the Royal family will attend the annual Remembrance Service at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, which is the nation’s chief war memorial dedicated to those who died in World War I and II.
Queen Camilla, 78, is set to return to work as early as next week to host a reception for Booker Prize shortlisted authors
King Charles and Queen Camilla attend a welcome ceremony in Apia, Samoa, on October 24
Queen Camilla waves while boarding an Royal Australian Air Force plane ahead of departing from Faleolo Airport in Samoa after the royal visit to Australia and Samoa on October 26
The Duchess of Gloucester pauses during a visit to the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey on Thursday. She stepped in for Queen Camilla who fell ill with a chest infection
The Royal Navy prepare for Sunday at HMS Excellent training base in Hampshire on Tuesday
The National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph in London on November 12, 2023
His Majesty is expected to lay a wreath designed to pay homage to his grandfather King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II.
The wreath of poppies will be placed on a bed of black leaves, bearing the monarch’s racing colours of scarlet, purple and gold – as is traditional for a Sovereign.
Queen Camilla’s wreath, which also bears her racing colours inherited from her grandfather and inspired by the Queen Mother, will be placed on her behalf by an Equerry from the Royal Household. Both wreathes were made by the Poppy Factory.
Prince William will lay the wreath previously placed by King Charles III, featuring the Prince of Wales feathers and a new ribbon in Welsh red.