On the evening of November 8, 2025, the Royal Albert Hall in London became a stage not just for solemn remembrance, but also for royal tradition and generational change. The annual Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance, a fixture in the United Kingdom’s calendar, was marked this year by the debut appearance of Prince George, the 12-year-old eldest son of the Prince and Princess of Wales. The event, held on the eve of Remembrance Sunday, honored the sacrifices of British and Commonwealth Armed Forces personnel, both past and present, and was attended by a host of senior royals, political leaders, and veterans.
As reported by BBC, the audience stood and a fanfare played as the royal family entered the concert hall. King Charles III, Queen Camilla, Catherine, Princess of Wales, and Prince George took their seats in the royal box, joined by Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, and Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh. The presence of Prince George was especially notable—this was his first time attending the Festival, signaling a step forward in his public royal duties. The young prince, second in line to the throne, sat attentively beside his mother, dressed in a black suit and tie, and sporting a poppy, the traditional symbol of remembrance.
The Princess of Wales, known for her thoughtful sartorial choices, wore a black Alessandra Rich peplum dress with a white, lace-trimmed collar, a handmade red poppy over her heart, an HMS Glasgow brooch, and earrings that once belonged to the late Queen Elizabeth II. According to HELLO!, the poppy was crafted from silk, glass, and other natural materials by Izzy Ager, a recent graduate of the Royal School of Needlework. Kate’s jewelry—her iconic sapphire engagement ring, previously Princess Diana’s, and pearl earrings from Queen Elizabeth II—offered a poignant nod to royal lineage and continuity.
Prince William, the Prince of Wales, was notably absent from the evening’s proceedings. Multiple outlets, including BBC and HELLO!, confirmed that he was traveling back from Brazil, where he had addressed world leaders at the COP30 UN climate change summit and visited a remote island. His travel schedule was arranged to ensure his presence at the National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph in London on Sunday, November 10, 2025.
The Festival of Remembrance is always a deeply meaningful occasion, but this year’s event carried special significance. As BBC and The Independent highlighted, 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two and the 25th anniversary of the UK government lifting the ban on gay, lesbian, and bisexual personnel serving openly in the armed forces. The program reflected on these milestones, honoring not just the fallen but also those who have faced discrimination in service. Members of the LGBTQ+ veterans charity Fighting With Pride were present, including Alex Rasmussen, who was forced to leave the Royal Navy in 1996 due to his sexuality. The King, who recently unveiled a memorial to LGBTQ+ military personnel, attended his first official engagement in support of this community in October.
The event was hosted by actress Hannah Waddingham, known for her role in Ted Lasso. Waddingham, dressed in a long purple gown and wearing a poppy, gave a heartfelt performance of "We’ll Meet Again" and paid tribute to her grandfather Harry, a 109-year-old Royal Navy veteran. The program featured musical performances by Sir Rod Stewart, Sam Ryder, and Keala Settle, accompanied by military bands such as the Central Band of the RAF, the RAF Squadronaires, and the Band of HM Royal Marines. Sir Rod Stewart’s rendition of "Sentimental Journey," accompanied by the RAF Squadronaires, was a highlight, with Kate seen speaking softly to Prince George and pointing out moments of significance during the performance.
Personal testimonies and emotional videos played throughout the night, shining a light on the experiences of veterans and military children impacted by war. Veterans who had helped plan D-Day, former prisoners of war, and those who had survived direct hits at sea were among the honored guests. The royal family stood and applauded as the Chelsea Pensioners, retired British Army veterans in their distinctive red uniforms, marched across the stage while an orchestra performed "The Boys Of The Old Brigade." According to The Independent, Prince George watched intently, shuffling in his seat between performances and absorbing the emotional tributes paid by veterans to their lost friends and comrades.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and his wife, Lady Victoria Starmer, were also in attendance, their presence underscoring the national importance of the occasion. Sir Keir later remarked, “We reflect on the extraordinary courage of our armed forces in the world wars and subsequent conflicts, whose service secured the freedoms we cherish today. Eighty years since the end of the Second World War, we remember a generation who stood against tyranny and shaped our future. Their legacy is peace and our duty is to protect it. Such sacrifice deserves more than silence, which is why this government remains committed to supporting veterans, their families and those who serve. Today, we remember, and we renew our promise to uphold the values they fought for.”
The absence of Princess Anne and Vice-Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence was noted—they were in Australia celebrating the centenary of the Royal Australia Corps of Signals. The royal family has also faced challenges in recent months, including the death of the Duchess of Kent in September and the formal removal of Andrew Mountbatten Windsor’s royal titles, as recorded in the Letters Patent on November 3, 2025.
Prince George’s growing role within the royal family has been increasingly evident. As HELLO! recalled, in May 2025 he made a surprise appearance at a Buckingham Palace tea party for VE Day commemorations, where he engaged thoughtfully with World War II veterans. One veteran, Dougie, praised the young prince, saying, “I was very impressed with the lad’s interest. I told him luckily I wasn’t ever shot at but we did lose one of our fleet in the Channel. He was very polite and listened with interest. Whenever I used to do talks to young kids, that’s all you ever wanted, for them to listen and have a little understanding of those days. I think it’s so important for us to remember and they put on a lovely spread.”
The evening at the Royal Albert Hall was broadcast on BBC One, allowing viewers across the country to join in collective remembrance. The King, now patron of the Royal British Legion, will lead the nation in a two-minute silence at the Cenotaph in central London on Remembrance Sunday, joined by other senior royals and political leaders. Some 10,000 armed forces veterans and around 20 World War Two veterans were expected to participate in the Royal British Legion’s march-past, a living testament to the enduring legacy of service and sacrifice.
For Prince George, the Festival of Remembrance was more than just a royal engagement; it was a rite of passage, a moment to honor the past while quietly stepping into the future role that awaits him. As the royal family and the nation paused to remember, the presence of the young prince alongside his mother and grandparents offered a glimpse of continuity—and hope—for generations to come.
