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Remembrance Sunday: The King leads poignant service
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Remembrance Sunday: The King leads poignant service

It's been a day of deep reflection for the royal family

Danielle Stacey's avatar
Danielle Stacey
Nov 12, 2023
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The HELLO! Royal Club
The HELLO! Royal Club
Remembrance Sunday: The King leads poignant service
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King Charles places a wreath at the Cenotaph
The King placed the first wreath at the Cenotaph. Getty

The King appeared visibly moved as he led tributes to those who have lost their lives in conflicts around the world on Remembrance Sunday.

As the nation fell silent for two minutes, the monarch could be seen blinking back tears during the service.

The royals have a long and close relationship with the military, and back in September, Charles marked a whole year as head of the British armed forces.

No doubt, his late grandfather and father would have been in his thoughts as he placed the first wreath at the foot of the Cenotaph.

King George VI served in the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force during the First World War, while the late Duke of Edinburgh served in the Royal Navy during the Second World War.

Charles has also had his own military career, in both the Navy and the Royal Air Force.

For the eagle-eyed viewers among you, you may have noticed the different features on the King, Queen and Prince of Wales's wreaths.

The King and Queen's tributes closely resembled those produced for the late King George VI and late Queen Mother.

Prince William places wreath at the Cenotaph
Prince William wore the Officer's Cloak of The Blues and Royals, in the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Getty

Meanwhile, Prince William's wreath featured the striking Prince of Wales plumes and a ribbon in Welsh red.

On days such as Remembrance Sunday, outfit choices are carefully selected to respect the sombreness of the event.

While the King, Prince William, Princess Anne and Prince Edward all stood proud in uniform, the Queen, Princess Kate and Duchess Sophie were dressed in black as a mark of respect.

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But there were nods to their relevant honourary military roles too.

Camilla was appointed Colonel-in-Chief of The Royal Lancers earlier this year and sported the regiment's brooch. It's a personal connection for the Queen, whose late father Major Bruce Shand served in the 12th Royal Lancers during the Second World War.

And after being appointed as Commodore-in-Chief of Fleet Air Arm, Kate had the regiment's brooch pinned to her left lapel.

Queen Camilla and Princess Kate watch Remembrance Sunday service from balcony of FCDO
The Queen and Princess of Wales wore symbolic brooches. Getty

You may also be wondering why the likes of the Princess of Wales and the Duchess of Edinburgh sported three poppies at the service?

While the reason has never been confirmed by the palace, it is believed that some people choose to wear multiple poppies to represent family members who lost their lives in battle.

The late Queen Elizabeth II often wore five poppies, which is said to have represented each service in the war: the Army, the Navy, the RAF, the Civil Defence and women.

As Remembrance Week draws to a close, let me know how you have commemorated the day in the comments below.

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