Royal Family members, military personnel, and others honored the memory of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at this year’s Festival of Remembrance. Below, King Charles and the Queen Consort as they arrived at Royal Albert Hall for tonight’s event.
The Royal British Legion hosts the Festival, “dedicated to all those that have served and sacrificed from Britain and the Commonwealth.” Below, the Prince and Princess of Wales.
The Earl and Countess of Wessex are greeted by Lieutenant General James Bashall, President of the Royal British Legion (L), and Ian McCulloch, President of Royal Albert Hall (R).
The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.
Princess Alexandra, The Honourable Lady Ogilvy, and just behind her, the Duke of Kent.
Princess Anne and her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence.
The late Queen served as the Legion’s Patron since her ascension to the throne in 1952. The organization noted, “As Head of the Armed Forces, the Queen was steadfastly committed to honouring the service and sacrifice of the entire Armed Forces community.” Below you see the Queen at the 2019 Festival of Remembrance.
Another view of the Prince and Princess of Wales and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.
The Earl and Countess of Wessex.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife, Akshata Murthy.
Labour Party Leader Sir Keir Starmer and Victoria Starmer.
The Prince and Princess of Wales.
From The Mirror’s coverage.
In his 20th year hosting the event, the BBC ’s Huw Edwards said: “Service and duty are at the core of military life and no individual symbolised those words more completely than her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.”
Below, the Book of Remembrance is carried into the hall by Brigadier Justin Stenhouse. ITV News reports he is “helping to train Ukrainian troops for battle against invading Russian forces…He was accompanied by Captain Dmytro Donskoi, defence and air attache for Ukraine.”
More on tonight’s program from the ITV story.
Footage marking the 40th anniversary of the Falklands war was shown, with contributions from people who had served.
King Charles III and his siblings, the Princess Royal and Earl of Wessex, watched on as archive footage of their late mother was played at the Royal Albert Hall.
In one clip, the Queen was heard speaking of the “tremendous contribution” the Armed Forces had made to Britain’s “standing and reputation” throughout the world during her reign.
Tonight’s Festival included a performance by Andrea Bocelli with his son Matteo and daughter Virginia.
Performance of ‘The Greatest Gift’ from multi award-winning tenor @andreabocelliofficial, with his son @Matteobocelli and daughter @Virginiabocelli at @PoppyLegion Festival of Remembrance #Festivalofremembrance pic.twitter.com/WJRAbD0uIC
— BBC Studios Events Productions (@BBCS_Events) November 12, 2022
Actress and singer Shona McGarty as she sang “Hallelujah.”
Hannah Waddingham sang a medley of songs from the 1940s.
Marisha Wallace as she sang “The Wind Beneath My Wings.”
A two-minute silence is observed as poppies fall from the ceiling.
The BBC reports the evening “…ended with a rendition of God Save The King and three cheers, after which Charles waved to the crowd who applauded as the Royal Family left.”
— Royal Central Media (@RCNewsdesk) November 12, 2022
Remembrance events have been held throughout the week. Thursday, the Queen Consort officially opened the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey.
The Daily Mail reports, “Around 70,000 crosses and other symbols are laid out in 308 plots according to regiment, unit or association, all planted in the grass by volunteers.”
The Queen Consort viewed a new plot dedicated to the memory of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
99-year-old veteran Joe Cattini, who took part in the D-Day landing at Normandy, and his daughter.
The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester at yesterday’s Armistice Day service at the Armed Forces Memorial located within the National Memorial Arboretum.
Also yesterday, the annual observance at Lloyd’s of London, with a wreath-laying ceremony and the Last Post played by buglers before a two-minute silence.
Now for our look at what the Princess wore.
She was in a design that might look familiar, the Self-Portrait Crepe and Chiffon Midi Dress ($300, now sold out). The piece is 100% polyester with peak lapels, padded shoulders, pockets at the hip, and a pleated skirt finished with a wide lace border.
It could be familiar because we saw the same style in a creamy white shade worn for the Platinum Jubilee Party at the Palace in June.
It was first noted at a September 2021 reception honoring those who worked on the Hold Still project.
It is a popular design; Princess Beatrice has worn this design in both the black and white colorways. She is seen below in the black at the vigil for the Queen in September.
Flora Vesterberg, Princess Alexandra’s granddaughter, has worn the black (seen below).
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Princess Madeleine of Sweden has worn the sleeveless style in white. For more photos, see Royal Fashion Police’s Instagram story.
Many recognized jewelry worn by the Princess, including the Four-Row Pearl and Diamond Choker, worn by the late Queen and Diana, Princess of Wales. The Princess of Wales also wore the Bahrain Pearl and Diamond Drop earrings, so-called because the pearls used for the earrings were a wedding gift from the ruler of Bahrain to Princess Elizabeth for her wedding.
This is the same jewelry combination seen at Prince Philip’s funeral in April 2021 and the Queen’s funeral just nine weeks ago.
The poppies worn by the Princess appear to be the thick paper style, and she carried her black suede Mulberry clutch.
I’ll see you tomorrow for Remembrance Sunday.
VIDEOS:
God Save the King at tonight’s performance.
An emotional rendition of God Save the King to end the Festival of Remembrance 2022. pic.twitter.com/XPW4sNEPt9
— Belle (@RoyallyBelle_) November 12, 2022
The Royal Family Channel offers coverage of the Queen Consort’s visit to the Fields of Remembrance.
“Letters Home” shares the story of Tom, a Royal Navy sailor.
Spruha
Monday 21st of November 2022
She looks good as always but I hate this Self-Portrait dress with a passion- in all colorways, on every occasion, on anyone.
pca
Friday 18th of November 2022
I love the fitted jacket - but I hate skirts where the lining doesn't cover the entire garment. And especially don't care for it at this more somber occasion. The necklace is too "clunky" combined with the poppies and the earrings. However, the hair, make up, other accessories are on point.
Laura
Wednesday 16th of November 2022
I love this Self-Portrait dress in both black and cream. It’s a good mix of professional and cocktail and I think it works so well for an evening event that is also quite serious and emotional. The contrast of the blazer and the lace skirt is fun and quirky but still elegant.
Kate looks fantastic, hair and make up spot on.
vava
Sunday 13th of November 2022
I don't comment often, but I sew garments and have the following point. The overall ensemble is nice, it fits well, but it's polyester. Please, designers - use natural fabrics! That jacket would be great in wool with silk satin trim/lapels. The skirt would be nice in silk or even rayon. I detest polyester to my core and for that simple reason this whole outfit is a snooze.
The choker is too much with the poppies, earrings and the outfit. I am not fond of it anyway, but I think in this case it just doesn't work. As Madame Chanel once said, take in the mirror and remove one accessory before walking out the door - or something to that effect.
Lindsay
Saturday 19th of November 2022
@vava, I agree with you on both points. The necklace wants to be the statement, but it was just too much here! I love the dress, but am also sad at how prevalent polyester and garments made in China still are. I do think Catherine is stunning and I think this is a beautiful piece for the occasion. Some people are speculating seeing it in red for her Christmas concert (which I assume would be a special order!)
Gabrielle
Sunday 13th of November 2022
I love the jacket but the skirt seems a bit frivolous for the occasion. However with the dark tights it just about works. An observation about royalists in the UK versus Europe: UK royalists are very loyal but tend not to like ostentatious displays of jewellery or tiaras unless at grand state dinners. This is why the royal ladies mainly do understated jewels on most occasions. We want our royalty to be royal but not act royal if that makes sense. I think the Europeans may be more up for a bit more bling on any occasion.