Arabic version: العائلة المالكة تحضر مهرجان الذكرى
According to BBC News, King Charles III led senior members of the Royal Family at the annual Festival of Remembrance at London’s Royal Albert Hall, paying tribute to British service personnel. The Prince and Princess of Wales joined the King and Queen Camilla at the event on the eve of Remembrance Sunday.
The audience stood as the royals entered the concert hall and a fanfare was played. Bereaved families, serving personnel and the Chelsea Pensioners, retired British Army veterans, were among those attending. Catherine wore the Irish Guards regimental brooch, earrings that once belonged to Queen Elizabeth II and a handmade poppy.
The Royal British Legion’s festival was broadcast on BBC One at 21:00 and hosted by Clive Myrie. It included performances by Alfie Boe, Mica Paris and armed forces bands, including the Band of Royal Air Force Regiment. The King became patron of the Royal British Legion in 2024.
This year’s festival marked 35 years since the end of the First Gulf War and 15 years since British military operations in Iraq under Operation Telic concluded. Veterans shared personal stories and experiences of those conflicts. Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Defence Secretary Wes Streeting were also present.
On Sunday, the King will lead the nation in a two-minute silence for those who died serving in the two world wars and other conflicts. He will join senior royals and political leaders at the National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph in central London, where wreaths will be laid. Some 10,000 veterans representing more than 300 armed forces and civilian organisations will take part in the Royal British Legion’s march-past.
