William and Kate arriving at the Royal Albert Hall.
It is the second consecutive year the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have attended the event - after their first attendance last year.
Other royals present were the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, the Duke of York, the Earl and Countess of Wessex, the Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, the Duke of Gloucester, the Kents and Princess Alexandra.
Aside from official events such as Trooping the Colour, it's one of the few where we see so many royals assembled together - a sign of the significance and importance it holds.
The performance is put on by the Royal British Legion as part of their poppy appeal. It commemorates those who lost their lives in service of their country. It takes place on the eve of Remembrance Sunday, with two performances on the day - a matinée open to members of the public and an evening show for members of the Legion, their families, officials and royals.
The event has been held at the Royal Albert Hall every year since 1927. Her Majesty has been patron of the Royal British Legion since 1952, only missing two festivals in the many years since.
This year's festival marks the following anniversaries: the centenaries of the Battle of the Somme and the Battle of Jutland, the 25th anniversary of the Gulf War, and the 80th anniversary of the first flight of the Supermarine Spitfire.
The Tri-Service display and standards march on the floor of the Royal Albert Hall.
Performers at the festival included Alfie Boe, Michael Ball, Alexander Armstrong, Birdy, Laura Mvula, Royal Air Force Squadronaires, and the Band of HM Royal Marines. Below, Alfie Boe and Michael Ball performing a rendition of 'You'll Never Walk Alone'.
English tenor and actor Alfie Boe found himself making headlines earlier this week in relation to the Duchess of Cambridge. More from Mail Online:
'I was at a wedding and had the fortune of sitting next to Kate. They brought the main course out and it was lamb chops and I'm not kidding her lamb chop was like three times the size of mine. 'I didn't care who the hell she was, I wanted that lamb chop and that was it. And kindly she said that's a little bit too big for me can I swap dinners?'
The Royal Marines Band demonstrates their drumming skills.
The royals watch the performance.
The Chelsea Pensioners received a standing ovation as they entered to the tune of the Boys of the Old Brigade.
One of the most poignant moments of the performance. Lest we forget.
Silence falls whilst the Last Post is played and poppies fall onto the heads of those who are serving.
The National Anthem concluded the festival.
I always thoroughly enjoy a look at the 'behind-the-scenes' of royal events and the care and preparation that goes into the details. The hanging of the royal hammercloth: An Archivist's duty on the Royal Albert Hall website was an excellent read in which archivist Suzanne Keyte writes: "There are many things that an Archivist expects to find as part of their job, but one of the most unusual and rather lovely jobs at the Royal Albert Hall is caring for the hammercloth and ensuring that it is hung from the balcony in the Royal Box whenever the reigning monarch visits the Hall."
More from the piece:
'The hammercloth is a beautiful and very heavy velvet curtain bearing the Royal Coat of Arms and the initials of the reigning monarch of Great Britain and the Commonwealth. The origin of the word ‘hammercloth’ is rather vague but was usually meant to mean the heavily embroidered cloth that hung over a coachman’s seat on horse drawn coaches, often embroidered with a coat of arms.
Our hammercloth was made for the Royal Albert Hall by the Royal School of Needlework (RSN) in 1878; this date is embroidered on the lower left of its hem. At that time, the RSN was situated on Exhibition Road, very close to the Hall.The hammercloth is only hung when the reigning monarch is present, however there was one exception – when Prince Charles was representing the Queen at the Festival of Remembrance in 1999.
The hammercloth was lent to the Royal School of Needlework in 1997 for their 125th anniversary, and there it was seen by members of the Royal Family who commented that it was the first time they had actually been able to look at.'
This year's poppy appeal is asking the nation to "rethink Remembrance by recognising the sacrifices made not just by the Armed Forces of the past, but by today’s generation too. For many people, Remembrance is associated with the fallen of the First and Second World Wars. While we will always remember them, the Legion wants to raise awareness of a new generation of veterans and Service personnel that need our support".
The Poppy Appeal is the Legion's biggest fundraising campaign held every year in November, the period of Remembrance. Each year, an army of volunteers distribute the iconic paper poppies throughout the nation, collecting donations in return to help support the vital work we do for the Armed Forces community. Members of the public wear the paper poppy on their chest as a symbol of Remembrance: to remember the fallen Service men and women killed in conflict. A brief history of on the appeal: it was first held in 1921, the founding year of the Royal British Legion. Red silk poppies, inspired by the famous First World War poem "In Flanders Fields", sold out instantly and raised more than £106,000. The funds helped WW1 veterans find employment and housing after the war.
If you wish to support the appeal you can donate here or visit the Online Shop here. Below, a look at the shop's Enamel Poppy Badge and the Mini Poppy Jute Bag. 100% of profits go to the legion.
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| Royal British Legion |
As expected, the Duchess opted for black tonight, choosing the Temperley London Callas Coat from the designer's Pre-Fall 2014 Collection (with thanks to Anna and Kate's Closet).
The elegant £995 coat features a beautiful floral diamond jacquard fabric. It is now sold out, but a product description on OuterwearTalk shared the following information: "Beautiful knee-length coat made from a lightweight black floral diamond jacquard fabric. Boat neckline with 6 Temperley buttons to close up the front. Nipped in waist with soft gathering at the waistline. Seamed stitched detail on collar and button placket. Fabric composition Italian fabric exclusive to Temperley 41% wool, 32% polyester, 27% acetate and lined in 100% black silk."
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| Temperley London |
More on the background of Alice Temperley's decision to use 'Callas Jacquard' in the Pre-Fall 2014 Collection:
'From a swatch which Alice has treasured since she was 13 years old was created the Callas Jacquard, a story that adds drama and structure to the collection through its structured silhouettes.'
Another look at the coat.
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| Temperley London |
Last year, the Duchess wore a black lace Dolce & Gabbana dress for the performance.
It appears Kate wore her black suede Gianvito Rossi pumps.
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| Net-A-Porter |
Kate carried her velvet black bow Pretty Ballerinas clutch.
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| Pretty Ballerinas |
You can view the full performance here.
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Also this evening, as you've likely heard, Kensington Palace announced the Duchess of Cambridge, Patron of Place2Be, will attend the Place2Be Wellbeing in Schools Awards at Mansion House on Tuesday, 22 November. You may recall the Duchess hosted the awards in 2014 at Kensington Palace.
The Awards celebrate the inspiring ambassadors of positive mental health in Place2Be schools. Kate will attend a reception to meet the finalists in each category and attend the awards ceremony where she will present the Child Champion and Young Person Champion Awards.
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We'll see you tomorrow for Remembrance Sunday.
Thanks for the post!
ReplyDeleteI don't want to sound like a downer, but I'm not a big fan of her outfit this year, especially conpared to last year. Her hair covers her poppy, and it would be nice to see her dress. I usually don't talk about her clothes, but everyone looks to regal and she looks...I don't know, blah.
It makes me wonder if something went wrong with her dress and she had to keep her coat on.
DeleteI wonder if she naturally runs a little cold, we often see her in long sleeves and high necks and coats when others around her are not so warmly dressed. Just a thought.......
DeleteGood thought Erika and it's certainly possible with two small children! I hope it was something like that because keeping the coat on stands out so much to me and seems so out of place... oh well, not the end of the world :)
DeleteIt was 81 in San Diego and I wore a hoodie. The breeze is always cool. My family teases me a lot about wearing my hoodies when they are sweating in the heat.
DeleteIt's a very dressy fabric that is gorgeous of evening. I doubt her kids threw up on her dress and she had to keep her coat on. Sometimes the most gorgeous fabrics don't photograph well, especially black.
DeleteI dont mind the coat. But her hair covered the poppy and really seemed as if she didnt have one on. Her hair should have been pinned back
DeleteErika and Anon 0:07, I think both is possible. I was a little surprised too and both these reasons for a coat came to my mind.
DeleteWhat a great and moving event. We don't have such rememberance gatherings in the Czech Republic. I mean, there are some but much smaller. It is partly due to the fact that any similar occasion had been misused in the past by the communist regime (until 1989) and the tradition has been forming only recently. Thank you for the post, Charlotte!
I watched this festival for the second time this year. Very moveing, and as I said last year, very foreign since Sweden don't do much rememberence of soldiers. Our country has not been at war in modern history. But it's beautiful to see a country honour their war heroes. And the families storys is universally moving.
ReplyDeleteOnto the (very unimportant) look. Perfectly suitable coat. Neutral and unnassuming as is warranted in this case. I like the texture of the coat. Very nice. I have a feeling that it will pop up in years to come. And a 2014 piece? Might have been around in her closet/private use. A bit surprised she wore a coat and not a dress. Although, she does that sometimes so not really surprised. Pretty as always. Although, her hair did cover the poppy at times, maybe a bit pinned back would work better for this event.
Great Post! Its nice to see so many come out for this event. I also love the behind the preparations stuff.
ReplyDeleteI must say though The Prince of wales and the the Duchess of cornwall must be so tired and jet leg coming of there great tour.
I didn't even know their tour was over with. When did they get back?
DeleteThey got back yesterday (the 11th)
DeleteThank you Charlotte for another beautiful presentation. Let us not ever take all your talent, hard work and asthetics for granted. You bless many people with this blog, Charlotte. Thank you again. You are the best. x
ReplyDeleteKate, perceptive and polite as always, offered the larger lamb chop to the very hungry man seated at her side. How sweet and funny. Men.
Loved the information on the Archivist. Thanks.
That hammercloth is beautiful and in amazing condition having been done in 1878. So funny that their 125th anniversary display of it was the first time many of the royals had actually been able to see it.
Very colorful presentation. I had read that
38 million military personnel and civilians lost their lives during WWI. And, Kate lost three great uncles on her father's side.
I liked the coat. Very feminine shape. She has a coat designed from fabric that the designer had cherished since her childhood so that makes it even more special.
* 17 million killed, 20 million wounded.
DeleteIt is Camilla that lost 3 great uncles in WWI
Delete11:48
DeleteKate's paternal great grandmother, Olive Lupton Middleton, had three sons, Maurice, Lionel, and Francis (Michael's namesake), who died in WW1
and all three died in France. There is even a video that has surfaced of Maurice inspecting WW1 troops.
Camilla did have family lost in battle also.
*actually, Maurice, Lionel and Francis, were
DeleteOlive's brothers.
Not really liking the high priest collar on this coat. A coat with a wider collar and lapel would have made it easier to fit the poppy brooch in an area not covered by her hair. Also, can she PUH-LEASE wear something other than suede pumps?
ReplyDeleteHmm not convinced that's the right coat Kate's has vertical slit pockets much more on the front panel of her coat compared to the Temperley photo those pockets are to the sides. I don't like the look on Kate it's very severe the other royal ladies look nicer. Kate's outfit is too "day time" and more "outside" wear. Pity her long hair yet again covered the only bright spot...her poppy.
ReplyDeleteKudos to Charles and Camilla indeed for attending straight off their tour.
As did Edward and Sophie. They came from New Zealand, a much longer flight than Charles and wife made. grueling enough trip for young folks. Actually dangerous for the elderly, such as the Cornwalls. Prolonged sitting runs the risk of
Deleteblood clots in the legs, which can move and cause heart attack or stroke later.
Such a beautiful, poignant event. And hearing Prince Harry read The Soldier by Rupert Brooke yesterday brought tears to my eyes.
ReplyDeleteLove Kate's coat too! Very stylish.
I love the coat. She must have like 10 black coats by now haha She reminds me of my little sister. She isn't royal and she must have at least 10-15 different coats that she loves to wear. I can hardly talk, I collect shoes
ReplyDeleteWas it really that cold in Royal Albert Hall that she had to leave her coat on?
I'm going to be in London for the 2 November engagement at Mansion House. Where can I get details on how to see Kate? Where do others typically get information on these things for engagements?
ReplyDeleteMansion House is itself easy to find, if you want a good view get there early to grab a spot. No idea on timings but if it's evening like last one then get there an hour or two before.. there'll probably be crowd barriers up which gives a clue of where to stand and there's probably lots of police so ask them nicely and they'll probably tell you times. Not sure with London who you can phone for times. Could try the palace.
DeleteI like the coat. She looks great. Did wonder about her not removing it while sitting? I believe the program is several hours long and you tend to get hot in those theaters. I wondered how exhausted Charles and Camilla must be also. ali
ReplyDeleteI was always moved by this event, and always enjoyed seeing the Royal family out in full force for such an important tribute, as they will again on Sunday. Just magnificent. And well done reporting on it Charlotte.
ReplyDeleteSo it seems trivial to comment on what Kate's wearing! But the only thing I will say is not whether I like the coat or not, but why is she wearing a coat at all indoors??? Inside, at an evening event, everyone else in "somber cocktail" wear... It seems quite out of place, I'm not sure what to make of it at all. I'm sure the royal box is kept quite toasty for HM.
It will spark talk of baby #3 I think...
She does look tired Claudia. I was comparing the shadows under her eyes to William's when they were both looking down. He looked much perkier and presumably wasn't wearing concealer.
DeleteBaby #3 wouldn't be so bad...1 more boy would be nice.
DeleteI hate to admit it but that's where my mind went:0 Tho it's silly because since she's always been sick, we have long abscences before we ever "See" Her looking pg! But who knows maybe if there is a next time, She won't be sick? I hope so for Her sake!
DeleteI wouldn't dare speculate on baby #3, but Kate surely wasn't her sparkly self last night. And that is taking into account that it is a somber event. I am not complaining, all of us have our days when we feel off/tired, had a fight with the husband or children, we are just lucky enough that it does not get caught on camera.
DeleteI have to say the first thing that popped into my mind when I saw these photos is that she's pregnant, starting to show, and trying to hide it underneath the coat. I have been wondering recently about how her calendar is not very full since returning from Canada....Perhaps if she is pregnant, and not so very sick as before, they would like to try to keep it to themselves as long as possible since they didn't get to do that previously.
DeleteThank you for the post Charlotte! Kate's simplicity mirrored the Queen's and Princess Anne's. I think our Kate is setting a tone that says she is NOT about bling and zing. She may lose many fashion aficionadas but she still has my heart because of hers.
ReplyDeleteMy sentiments exactly, Valerie.
DeleteI do like the idea of Kate taken after the Queen and Anne. I think Anne is very undervalued by the media. She is a hard worker, and she hasn't had a scandal in a very little time. Not like her Andrew, who has a few each year. I also like the fact she didn't give her kids titles. They can have a some what semi "normal" life.
DeleteUgh - a coat? Come on, it's not that cold inside Albert Hall. The coat works for an event outside, but she needed to shed it once in her seat and show her dress.
ReplyDeleteYes - it's strange to me to even call it an outfit. She wore a coat. An outside coat. All night long. Was there nothing underneath? I don't get it though I did like it as a coat.
DeleteLove the photos where William gently guides Kate with his hand on her back.
ReplyDeleteThat IS so sweet. That makes me think Kate might have not been feeling up to par or that she is pregnant. He did seem to be comforting her.
DeleteI love this coat, although the structure is not at all visible in any of the pictures of her - are we sure it's that coat?. I must agree with others, however, that it is really odd to wear a coat fully buttoned at an indoor event. Perhaps it was a decision not to overshadow others or the meaning of the night. Who knows? Her hair looks very pretty and so does she.
ReplyDeleteA lovely coat ... but it is a coat. It the Royal Alberta Hall particularly cold?
ReplyDeleteThanks, Anonymous at 00:59 - exactly my thoughts!! A coat for an inside-event at the Royal Albert Hall of all places? Very strange indeed. Events there usually call for some very chic dress .... Well, I´ve never been there so perhaps could someone who´s been to the Royal Albert Hall give us some hints whether the heating maybe is not that good there? She wore a lace dress last time which could be tricky if there are drafts, so maybe that was behind that coat-choice...
Deletenice logic, Eve. That might explain the cost indoors. She may have gotten chilled wearing the lace last year.
DeleteI once attended a performance in January in the Royal Albert, it was almost snowing outside and I still wore a strapless dress. But I have also long since suspected that Kate gets cold very easily, it explains her tendency for high necklines and hair down.
DeleteBTW dress code at the Royal Albert is determined by the event not the location, I attend numerous concerts there in jeans as well. But looking at everybody's outfits I agree that somber cocktail seem to be the code for this event.
Thanks, Anonymous at 16:09, for some information about the "climate situation" at Royal Albert Hall! ;-))
DeleteI know, of course, that there are pop concerts, etc at Royal Albert Hall, where it´s perfectly "ok" to wear whatever you like. I rather meant such "special occasions" (very festive) which are often held there because - well, it´s THE Royal Albert Hall.. I totally agree with you, that most certainly she gets cold easily so better opt for something warmer.... I once made this "mistake" at a classic concert (so no dancing to keep you warm) and it more or less ruined the evening for me as I was literally shaking with cold....
I'm disappointed with this look. Not that it isn't nice enough. Just plain to me. Even the queen has some black gems or something that gave her coat some sparkle! That would have been nice :) I was hoping for a dress considering we will for sure see a coat tomorrow! I wish she would stop dying her hair so dark. I find it almost "swallows her" its so long and then so dark. I still like it a "dark brown" just a couple shades lighter if that makes sense? Lol! More like her natural color still dark brown but not so dark :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a great outfit, she looks so chic, and I love her hair. The Queen looked lovely also. Lovely event for the family.
ReplyDeletePoor Charles and Camilla, they look either exhausted, bored or angry. In one picture I saw, Edward looks like he is sleeping. Ha!
DeleteHe did look like he was sleeping. And Charles and Camilla did look all three. The Queen looked glowing and vivacious.
DeleteTake another look! It appears pupils have appeared on Edward's eyelids.I wonder if all the photos have been altered.
DeleteNo one honors their military like the UK does! Always impressed with the deference shown.
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy seeing the whole family out! I'm in the middle of watching "The Crown" so my royal family interest is at peak form! :)
I Truly think "The Crown" should be required viewing for all of us! :) I need to watch it again!
DeleteHmmm i love the coat indeed she looks chic and her hair was soft i see the royals out in about Such important tribute to the fallen soilders
ReplyDeleteThank you Charlotte for such a detailed post. So important for us all to remember the millions of lives given and affected for the good of future generations. Might we behave with as much generosity if it were asked of us. It is a sombre event and not the occasion for bling in my opinion. Catherine was somberly dressed down as suits the occasion. It is unimportant whether or not the clothing screams of high fashion. All it needed to be was appropriate to the event and it was.
ReplyDeleteThose are my sentiments also Alimai and I think Kate looked lovely and appropriate. So what if she kept her coatdress on. It is a coatdress, in my opinion. I really like the style of that.
DeleteA lovely and moving evening. I always love seeing HM and the family together. She looked beautiful, as did Kate. The pictures are wonderful. Thank you Charlotte. I think my favorite part of the service is seeing the poppies fall on those who are serving. So beautiful and meaningful.
ReplyDeleteObviously it is definitely not the most important part of the evening, but I loved Kate's coat. The waistline didn't seem as "nipped" as on the model, but it was pretty. Always love seeing William and Kate out together. :)
What a lovely occasion. I can only imagine how polished and elegant this event must be. I appreciate Charlotte, that you included the bit on the Royal Hammercloth. I didn't know it had a name.
ReplyDeleteI like Kate's coat. The fabric paired with the feminine styling I think it really pretty. I wonder if she might have "borrowed" the coat. Could it be her mom's? Or maybe her sister's? Didn't she wear the other Temperly coat for the first time around 2014? Anyone remember? If so, it could be a way a recycling if underneath is a dress we've all seen. Gosh, seems like almost everyone worn the same style dress - lace sleeves, black sheath. Sophie and Theresa May look like they might have worn the same dress.
Her hair can dominate. If she wants to wear it down, at least I wish she'd put it behind her shoulders - it would be lovely to see her poppy pin.
I wondered why she was wearing a coat and everyone else was in a dress. Now just to stir up the conversation, perhaps she's hiding a baby bump!!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful and touching service. And a wonderful write-up by Charlotte.
ReplyDeleteI like the coat well enough but it didn't look right with all the other ladies in cocktail dresses. If Kate runs cold, it would be better to have a bespoke coat dress or cocktail suit.
Shocked she allowed her hair to fall in front of her poppy. Frankly, that would be disrespectful in anyone, shouldn't happen with a princess, and especially not at a service of remembrance. She really needs to contain that hair. Imagine when she is awarded the queen's order - will she let her hair fall in front of that - this is the same.
But for whatever reason, she looked ill and out of sorts, so perhaps she wasn't attending.
pregnant, perhaps? (p.s. I think Kate is doing a superlative job as Princess and as Duchess.)
Deletethis event is one I do envy, as a French , this is indeed a real gathering of the community which goes beyond any political thoughts, just thanking the veterans, and those who gave their lives, very impressive !
ReplyDeleteregarding Kate's outfit .... the coat itself is quite interesting and has an unusual design which gives it a kind of delightful "pompadour" feel , unfortunately not much of all the details can be seen in that circumstance , and why a coat in the Albert Hall (while we sometimes see her wearing only a dress and walking outside ...)? not adapted to the occasion I am affraid, and it is not the first time that happens . and I again wonder why Kate should "bury" herself in clothes who hide her body that much ? the Queen and Sophie, although wearing black clothes, have managed to make it look feminine and have added a few glitters, I am so sorry for Kate if she thinks she has to refrain from looking young ....
But wasn't it just the other day visiting The Prision etc that some accused her of trying to look Too Young, by wearing such a Cute Short Skirt?
Deletelol, right, Becca.
DeleteThere are hundreds of comments so im not sure why people defending Kate always acts like it MUST be the same people making contradictory comments. Additionally, perhaps Kate is not good at finding the right balance. It is possible to dress too young at times and too old at times...
Deletewhy does she have a coat on indoors it can't be that cold inside all of the ladies didn't have a coat on frankly i thought her and william looked board. prince charles had to be very tired shocked that he made the event at all say's alot about him impressive. i didn't really like the coat.
ReplyDeleteI agree, I thought the Duke and Duchess looked bored. I don't understand why the Duchess kept her coat on indoors - personally, I think it's disrespectful. Say what you will about Charles and Camilla, but the fact that they showed up so soon after arriving in London from their tour speaks volumes of their work ethic. A very hard working couple - they don't get half the admiration they should.
DeleteI think they looked perfectly normal for people who are watching those kinds of ceremonies. Solemn and somber.
DeleteI am puzzled again by this coat and wearing it during the performance. I agree it looks really plain which is probably because of the light. Certainly, looking at her face lately, one could not tell she has all the help and money in the world.
ReplyDeleteThe queen looked absolutely elegant and beautiful.
12:01- It's all in which pictures you choose to look at and base your opinion on.
DeletePhotos before the service showed a glowing, vibrant woman. She was appropriately somber during the memorial, as were the others. Just look at the queen. No cheerful grins there.
Right. 20:54. Kate would be chastised if she was smiling and looked overly happy during the ceremonies.
DeleteWhat a lovely coat.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great event. It's a significant time of year for remembering and I'm glad that it is treated with gravitas and respect.
ReplyDeleteAs for the clothes; well it would have been nice to also wear a dress but we know now that kate seems to see coats as dresses?! Her hair looks amazing, she has gone darker.
Kate looked very pretty, I think she wore another lipstick colour? It certainly looked a bit more colourful than her usual nude, but still very natural, the perfect your lips but better shade. I really like it :)
ReplyDeleteThis is a unique evening and wonderful to see all the armed services honoured by memorial service. In terms of the Royal Family it is one of the few events where all attend. Like some of the other commentators I dont understand why the DOC didnt remove her coat, also I think that her hair would be more appropriate in an updo so the Poppy would be on view.
ReplyDelete