Prince George, aged 12, attended the Royal British Legion’s Festival of Remembrance on November 8, 2025, at London’s Royal Albert Hall, marking his debut at the annual ceremony. He was seated beside his mother, Catherine, Princess of Wales, who wore a handmade poppy crafted from silk and glass. The event honored two significant anniversaries: 80 years since World War Two ended (May 8, 1945) and 25 years since the UK lifted its ban on LGBT armed forces personnel (January 12, 2000).[1][2][3][4][5]
Event Attendance and Notable Absences
Senior members of the Royal Family and government officials attended the ceremony, creating a unified national moment of remembrance. King Charles III and Queen Camilla observed from the royal box alongside Catherine and Prince George. Prince Edward and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, also attended, as did the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and his wife Victoria were present.[6][7][8]
Royal Family Members Present
- King Charles III and Queen Camilla (royal box).
- Catherine, Princess of Wales, and Prince George.
- Prince Edward and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh.
- Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.
- Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Victoria.
Notable Absences Explained
Prince William did not attend, having recently returned from Brazil where he delivered climate action remarks at COP30 (November 10-21, 2025, in Belém). Princess Anne was absent conducting an official visit to Australia for the Royal Australian Corps of Signals Centenary, of which she serves as Colonel-in-Chief.[9][10]
Military Recognition and LGBT Representation
The ceremony honored veterans across multiple generations and conflicts. Approximately 10,000 armed forces veterans and around 20 surviving World War Two veterans participated in the Royal British Legion’s march-past. Chelsea Pensioners, retired British Army veterans, marched while an orchestra performed “The Boys of the Old Brigade.”[11][12]
Members of Fighting With Pride, an LGBTQ+ veterans charity, attended the event. Former Petty Officer Alex Rasmussen from Bournemouth, discharged from the Royal Navy in 1996 after colleagues discovered his sexuality, was present. His attendance symbolized recognition of past injustices. In October 2025, King Charles unveiled the first LGBT+ military memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, titled “An Opened Letter.”[13][14][15]
Musical Performances and Host Details
The concert featured established artists including Sir Rod Stewart, Sam Ryder, Keala Settle, Blessing Offor, and The Wellermen, accompanied by the Central Band of the RAF, RAF Squadronaires, King’s Colour Squadron, and Band of HM Royal Marines. Hannah Waddingham hosted and performed “We’ll Meet Again,” sharing remarks about her grandfather Harry, a Royal Navy veteran aged 109. She stated he “still shares memories of his naval service,” connecting generations through lived experience.[16][17][18][19][20]
Remembrance Sunday and Broadcast Access
Remembrance Sunday occurs November 9, 2025—the closest Sunday to Armistice Day (November 11, 1918). King Charles will lead a two-minute national silence at 11 a.m. at the Cenotaph in central London’s Whitehall, with senior royals and political leaders laying wreaths.[21][22]
The Festival broadcast on BBC One from 9:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on November 8. Remembrance Sunday broadcasts from 10:15 a.m. to 12:40 p.m. on BBC One, with multi-platform access including BBC iPlayer, subtitles, British Sign Language interpretation, and radio broadcasts.[23][24][25]
