The Royal family gathered at the Cenotaph for this morning's Remembrance Sunday ceremonies in London.
This year, the Duchess joined Her Majesty and the Duchess of Cornwall on the balcony of the Foreign Office in Whitehall.
In previous years we've seen Kate with Camilla and Sophie. The scene marked the end of an era with the absence of the Duke of Edinburgh and the beginning of a new chapter as the Queen was joined by two future queen consorts for the poignant event.
As the clock struck eleven, a two-minute silence was observed. The silence represents the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918, when the guns of Europe fell silent. The time is marked by the firing of a field gun on Horse Guards Parade.
In another sign of changing times for the monarchy, Prince Charles laid a wreath on behalf of his mother for the second consecutive year. An equerry laid a wreath on behalf of the Duke of Edinburgh. Ahead of the ceremony, the Prince of Wales said: “We owe that enormous debt of gratitude to those who gave literally everything for our tomorrow. We don’t have enough moments of silence to reflect. It’s the greatest tribute you can pay.”
William and Harry lay their wreaths.
Prince William wore his RAF Uniform.
The Argus reports: "The President of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, also laid a wreath on behalf of the German people. It is the first time since the Cenotaph was inaugurated in 1920 that a representative of the country has taken part in the UK’s national service of remembrance. President Steinmeier’s presence was a symbol of the friendship that exists between the two countries today, a representative of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport said."
The Duchess of Sussex joined Germany's first lady Elke Büdenbender on an adjacent balcony.
This year is particularly poignant marking 100 years since the end of the First World War.
On the 'eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month' in 1918 the Armistice was signed.
“The greatest day in the world's history. The armistice was signed at 5. a.m. & fighting ceased at 11… & at 11. we went on to the balcony” – Queen Mary writes in her diary on 11 November 1918. The flag below was waved by Queen Mary on Armistice Day.
The National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph in Whitehall is a unique expression of homage devoted to the memory of those who have given their lives in war. It was originally conceived as a commemoration of the First World War's dead by King George V in 1919, but after the Second World War the scope of the ceremony was extended to focus on the dead of both wars. Remembrance Day or Memorial Day is observed in Commonwealth countries.
An overview from the Cenotaph.
Beginning from Horse Guards Parade, today’s March past the Cenotaph was led by the Royal British Legion.
The march is an annual event for British and Commonwealth former military and civilian service personnel to honour the fallen of the British Armed Forces involved in the two World Wars and all conflicts since.
The Argus reports:
Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said: “To be at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday is a privilege and provides us with the opportunity for reflection along with millions of people in countries that continue to be strong allies.
“The First World War touched communities across the globe and I commend all those who have helped us remember the First World War generation.
“We will never forget them or the sacrifice of thousands of British and Commonwealth troops who have given their lives in other conflicts.”
Among the thousands paying their respects was Lieutenant Commander Sarah Bligh of the Royal Navy. She said it was her grandmother’s stories of the war that inspired her to join the forces. “The thought of it being 100 years is really poignant. I’ve got a photograph of my great grandfather taken 100 years ago to celebrate them all coming back from the war,” she said. “It’s incredible to be here 100 years on.”
It is the eighth consecutive year Kate has attended Remembrance Day ceremonies.
The Duchess wore a McQueen military-inspired, bespoke coat with a white collar and red epaulettes. Michelle from Perth Fashion correctly suggested the piece is a custom version of the Military Lace Insert Jacket. It is described: "This fine design nods to the signature military trend seen for many seasons on the runways of Alexander McQueen shows. The virgin wool composition of this cropped jacket forms a comfortably tailored fit, featuring metallic button fastenings." It also features element of the brand's black Military Jacket.
Michelle also suggests Kate's hat is the £795 Lock & Co Abney style.
A closer look at the hat and Kate's updo.
Kate accessorised with the Cassandra Goad Cavolfiore Pearl Studs she wore to Louis' christening.
The £4,360 pair are described as "set with seven pearls set with diamonds (0.3cts). Inspired by the clusters of young flower stalks of the cauliflower (cavolfiore) in the market. From the Journey to Sicily".
Last month, Kate visited the Imperial War Museum to learn more about the three brothers of her great-grandmother, all of whom fought and died in the First World War. It's likely the three poppies are in memory of Francis, Maurice and Lionel Lupton who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
Lest we forget.
This evening at 6pm, William and Kate will join the Queen and other royals for a service to mark the Centenary of the Armistice at Westminster Abbey. The service will be televised on BBC One.
