Kate’s touching tribute to the fallen at Armistice Day service while nation falls silent

The Princess of Wales marked Armistice Day at an armed forces memorial garden in Staffordshire.

Members of the royal family honoured the end of the First World War as the nation observed the two-minute silence.

William and Kate shared an Armistice Day message on their official Instagram page, with a video from the National Memorial Arboretum’s poet-in-residence, Arji Manuelpillai, called ‘A Sonnet For Us All.’

She laid a handwritten note at the arboretum: ‘In memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice, we will remember them. Catherine.’

The Palace said the poem, which was also read at the arboretum in front of Kate, ‘reflects the importance of personal connections, experiences and bonds that are formed through military service.’

Catherine visited the Arboretum in Alweras, Staffordshire, today, while Prince William addressed young people in a video message. Queen Camilla took a train to Paddington station, where she laid a wreath at the Great Western Railway’s poppy event.

Later, William will join King Charles and Queen Camilla in Windsor for a reception with veterans who served in the Pacific during the Second World War.

The Prince of Wales spoke to the young people of Britain in a video message this morning, telling them why he thinks it is important to wear a poppy on Armistice Day.

His special video message was revealed at the Royal British Legion’s Remembrance Assembly ahead of the two-minute silence.

Children aged 9-14 will take part in the assembly across schools, libraries, and education settings in the UK.

Prince William said: ‘Armistice Day is an important time for us to stop and reflect – it is a reminder that remembrance is for everyone.

‘When we remember, we connect with service in a personal way.

‘We learn from the courage of others, and we carry their stories forward, so they are not forgotten.

‘It’s not just about the past – it’s about shaping who we become in the future.

‘Remembrance teaches us empathy, resilience and responsibility.

‘And when we wear a red poppy or take a moment of silence, we are saying, ‘Thank you. We have not forgotten, and we will not forget.’

William, who served in the Army and RAF for seven years, encouraged young people to remember veterans and serving soldiers.

He said he has ‘seen first-hand the hard work, dedication and duty the armed forces carry out to ensure we are protected.’

Prince William said: ‘Coming together for remembrance is a vital way to honour those whose service keeps us safe.

‘Even today, as we continue to face a number of conflicts across the world, we honour those who have gone before us, and those who are serving now.

‘Their memories matter, their lives matter, and they remind us to be respectful, kind, brave and thoughtful every day.’

Young people, parents and teachers joined the video assembly on YouTube and Zoom from 10.25am before observing the two-minute silence at 11am.

Countries across Europe, like Belgium, France and Poland, which were ravaged by the world wars, also commemorate Armistice Day.

Emmanuel Macron is hosting the service at the Arc de Triomphe, and there is a march in Warsow.

Remembrance Day is held every year on November 11 to mark the end of the First World War.

Remembrance Sunday falls on the second Sunday of November to honour those who were killed in both World Wars, with ceremonies held at the Cenotaph last weekend.

It has now morphed into a remembrance of everyone who has died in conflicts since.

The red poppy is traditionally the symbol for Remembrance Day, but white, purple, black and rainbow poppies can also be spotted.

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