Kate, along with members of the Royal Family, attended the Remembrance Day Service in Whitehall this morning. The annual event is marked by the laying of wreaths at the Cenotaph. The service is held on the second Sunday of November, closest to November 11. The ceremony honors British soldiers who have fallen, lest we never forget their sacrifice. The Royal Family, major politicians, and the city’s religious leaders are joined by 10,000 soldiers on this somber day.
photo credit: humberpike via photopin cc
The event is a time honored tradition. The Sovereign lays the first wreath, followed by other members of the Royal Family by rank, followed by politicians. The ceremony is held in remembrance of fallen soldiers on Armistice Day, the anniversary of the cease fire of World War I. Poppies are symbolic of the event – the international flower of remembrance. Poppy pins, poppy wreaths, and poppy themes are prevalent during this time of the year to honor the fallen soldiers.
The Massed Bands of the Household Division play remembrance songs leading up to the entrance of the politicians, religious figures, and Royals who attend the event. Traditional songs are also played, including “God Save the Queen,” “Rule Britannia,” and “The Last Post” – all of which signal different parts of the ceremony.
The Bishop of London lead the people in a very short service, including a brief prayer and hymn, which the Royals sang by heart. The service is quick but very heartfelt, and the somberness of the event is felt by all. As Her Majesty lays the first wreath, she bows her head to honor those who have fallen for her country. Prince Phillip, Prince Harry, Prince William along with other royals and politicians also laid wreaths at the Cenotaph.
Kate looked beautiful and somber today at the ceremony. She wore a black Temperley London coat, called “Noa”, which is described as:
Classic Temperley, the Noa Coat has clean angular shoulders, a nipped in waist and a trapeze flare at the hem. Made of satin quilted in a geometrical pattern and a viscose mix herring bone, it is an exceedingly sharp, timeless dress coat.
The Duchess of Cambridge accessorized with her Cornelia James gloves, and the Lock & Co “Fairytale” hat. Her Buckley poppy pin popped against the dark coat, and although her locks were long and flowing her Anoushka pearl drop earrings were still visible. The outfit is a different take on the last two years, where to repeated a military-inspired Diane von Furstenburg coat (seen above). She stood on a balcony, overlooking the event, with Sophie, the Countess of Wessex and Sir Timothy Lawrence.
Today is a somber day throughout the world, as we remember those who have fallen, those who have survived, and those who still serve. Whether British, American, Chinese, Polish, Argentinian, or any of the other beautiful countries in this world, we are all affected by the horrors of warfare and owe a great deal to those who serve. This ceremony, along with many others throughout the world today and in the coming days, hopes to remember and honor the few who we owe so much.
Watch last year’s ceremony here
Learn more about the British Legion and support British veterans here
Buy Kate’s poppy pin here.
Buy Kate’s Cornelia James gloves here
[…] 10- Lest we never forget! Last Sunday, Kate and other members of the Royal Family gathered at Whitehall for the Remembrance Sunday ceremony. This day is in honor of Armistice Day on November 11th and commemorates members of the […]