The Royal family gathered at the Royal Albert Hall tonight for the annual Festival of Remembrance.
This weekend presents one of the most poignant reminders of Her late Majesty. Remembrance weekend, commemoration events and opportunities to honour those who served were a central tenet of both the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh's royal roles. In her role as patron of the Royal British Legion, which she assumed in 1952, Her late Majesty only missed the Festival of Remembrance twice. It seems entirely fitting that tonight's performance was planned with a tribute to the monarch who was the longest-serving head of the armed forces. I've always loved this photo of the Queen from the event in 2018.
The Royal British Legion spoke to veterans about the ways in which the monarch inspired them.
The royal party were welcomed by Mr Ian McCullogh, President of the Royal Albert Hall, and Lieutenant General James Bashall, President of the Royal British Legion.
The King and the Queen Consort led the evening and were joined by the Prince and Princess of Wales. the Earl and Countess of Wessex, the Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, the Duke of Kent and Princess Alexandra.
The Queen Consort.
The Earl and Countess of Wessex.
This year’s festival will commemorate the service and sacrifice of so many while marking the 40th anniversary of the Falklands War.
Members of the royal family seated in the Royal Box.
A peek behind the curtain before guests arrived.
The very first ‘Festival of Remembrance’ was called 'In Memory 1914-1918 -- A Cenotaph in Sound'. Held in aid of the British Legion, Field Marshal Earl Haig’s Appeal for Ex-Service Men of all Ranks was held on 11 November 1923. A royal delegation including HRH the Prince of Wales (later Edward VIII and then styled as the Duke of Windsor following his abdication) was in attendance to hear John Foulds’ new composition, 'A World Requiem: A Cenotaph in Sound', performed by a chorus and orchestra.
The event has been held at Royal Albert Hall every year since 1927.
It was a treat to stumble upon this footage from the 1954 performance.
The Royal British Legion's annual festival commemorates those who have 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 event for members of the Legion, their families, officials and royals.
Ahead of the arrival of the royals, the hanging of the hammercloth takes place.
Archivist Suzanne Keyte said: "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. 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."
This period in November marks one of the rare occasions when we see the family together in large numbers.
The Princess Royal and Sir Timothy Laurence.
Hollywood actor and musical talent Luke Evans opened the festival with 'I Vow To Thee'. He has just released his second album and was delighted to perform tonight. The Welsh star is no stranger to singing for the royals -- participating in William and Kate's 2019 festive special with Mary Berry.
Huw Edwards led a beautiful tribute to the Queen as the royals watched on.
'The BBC newsreader told those gathered at the London venue: "It’s been a year where talk of service and duty has come to the fore.
"Service and duty are the watchwords of military life. They always have been.
"And no individual symbolised those watchwords more correctly, more completely than Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces, patron of the Royal British Legion for a remarkable period spanning eight decades."
D-Day veteran Stan Ford told the audience how proud he was to call Her late Majesty his Queen.
70 currently serving and former military personnel form a circle on the floor of the Royal Albert Hall - one for each year of Her late Majesty's reign.
The Chelsea Pensioners enter to the sound of 'The Boys of the Old Brigade'.
An array of dazzling performances filled the evening. West End star Hannah Waddingham and musical theatre sensation Marisha Wallace performed alongside the band of HM Royal Marines, the Royal Air Force Squadronaires and the Bach Choir.
It was a family affair when the one and only Andrea Bocelli performed a stunning rendition of 'The Greatest Gift' with his son Matteo and daughter Virginia.
A piper plays 'The Crags of Tumbledown'.
The Royal Marines Band.
Spoken-word artist Jaspreet Kaur shared 'The Moment'.
Moving scenes as the poppies fall in Remembrance.
Applause from the royal family.
The Poppy Appeal is the Royal British Legion’s biggest fundraising campaign and held every year in November -- the period of Remembrance. This year, the focus is on showing how you care by wearing a poppy. Click here if you wish to support the appeal.
In wonderful news, London Poppy Day raised over £1 million.
The Princess chose Self-Portrait's Tailored Crepe Chiffon dress (with thanks to Kate Middleton Style).
The sold-out Black Crepe and Pleated Chiffon piece is described as having: "An elegant 1950s air with the silhouette of this black midi dress, which features a belted jacket bodice that’s shaped with an hourglass waist. Rendered in a tactile combination of crepe and pleated chiffon, it falls to a midi hem that’s banded with airy lace."
Kate wore the same style in white for a Hold Still reception in September 2021.
Princess Beatrice wore the same piece for the grandchildren's vigil at Westminster Hall.
Princess Alexandra's granddaughter, Flora Vesterberg, wore it for Her late Majesty's funeral.
As for Kate's jewellery selections tonight, it was very much another reminder of the Queen's funeral, with the Princess once again wearing the Queen's Japanese Pearl Choker and Bahrain Pearl earrings.
The Four Row Japanese Pearl Choker was commissioned by the Queen from a set of the "finest cultured pearls presented to her by the Japanese government". Her Majesty's Jewel Vault notes: "The necklace includes four rows of pearls with a central diamond clasp in a curved shape, each side including three rows of diamonds that join at the top and bottom with marquise diamonds. She made her first state visit to Japan in 1975; the choker was in use by at least 1982. The Garrard book posits that it was inspired by the Queen's new daughter-in-law at the time, and she did notably loan the piece to the new Princess of Wales during a state visit from the Netherlands in 1982. It is only occasionally used by the Queen, in whose collection it still remains." Below, the Queen wearing the piece in Bangladesh in 1983.
In 1947, the then Princess Elizabeth received seven larger pearls from the ruler of Bahrain. Two of those pearls were used to create the beautiful Bahrain pearl earrings. They've been in Kate's rotation for years and always add an elegant touch. More than anything, there's a deeply symbolic significance to these pieces now.
It appears Kate carried her Mulberry clutch.
You'll notice the Princess wore three poppies on her lapel. I expect they are in honour of Francis, Maurice and Lionel Lupton, Kate's great grand-uncles, who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
We'll see the Prince and Princess of Wales and members of the Royal family in the morning for Remembrance Sunday ceremonies.
At first glance, this choker is too much.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree. While I'm all about the jewellery, I don't think that necklace works well here. At a glance my first thought was it would of looked better tonight with the clasp to the back. Her three strand pearl necklace would of looked good as well. Plenty of other pearls in the Royal collection. Including Diana's pearls. Hopefully she will get more soon. The pearl and diamond earrings are beautiful. She must treasure them. S. ☺
DeleteIt's a dated piece. She makes it look as good as anyone could. I think leaving the neckline bare would have been better but I guess she has a responsibility to wear the significant pieces.
DeleteIt’s really interesting to see all the different royals wearing this outfit, including Princess Madeleine who just wore it in sleeveless white. Catherine looks lovely and she clearly likes this piece! :) I love that the British Royals honor their Veterans so well. Thanks Charlotte! Sue
ReplyDeleteThe British Royals do a fine job honoring Veterans.
DeleteLovely elegant look. Watching the service now - touching, moving, in tears ❤️
ReplyDeleteEveryone looks great! I love the pearl necklace (and the earrings) but I wish Kate had had her hair up to show it off! Maria V
ReplyDeleteThe Princess looks beautiful tonight. Perfect style for the occasion. As do all the Royal ladies. I have all ready commented on her jewellery tonight. I wonder will she go with a rewear tomorrow or something new for her first Remembrance Sunday as Princess of wales. S. ☺
ReplyDeleteHmm. I guessed right away this was the now oft-seen black version of the white Self-Portrait dress the Princess had previously worn. Unfortunately, I don't think it works quite as well in black, though it should. After some thought, I decided that the problem was all the jewelry/poppies, which makes the black dress look a bit dowdy.
ReplyDeleteFrankly, the pearl choker is dowdy in design, and the pearl drop earrings worn with it were just too predictable. Then, with the poppies thrown in, we simply had too much going on at the neck. I would have left the choker out altogether, though I fear that the black version of the SP dress would still have looked a bit dull. It's odd, because the white version struck me as fresh and interesting.
That photo of the Queen in 2018 is spectacular, and I love the vintage photos of the hall. A pleasure to see. I'll close by recommending Herman Wouk's novel "City Boy," which includes a wonderful set piece featuring John McCrae's famous poem "In Flanders Fields," source of the poppy tradition. We Americans no longer observe that tradition as much as we once did, but the Wouk suggests that it was once very much alive here.
Well said, and I agree. My first impression was “ dowdy “ but I couldn’t say why; you did. Too fussy at the neckline.
DeleteThe Princess looks notably fresh-faced. Perhaps a little smoothing treatment of some sort?
- Karen in Virginia
I like the dress in the black more so than in the white.
ReplyDeleteI love the pearl chocker, regardless of the wearer, but Kate manages to make it look fresh.
Also, I’ve noticed she’s not a big lipstick wearer (and who can blame her? It’s such a pain to keep reapplying it) so when she wears lipstick, it’s noticeable. This one is pretty shade on her.
Seeing the assembled royals makes me a little wistful - it’s just remarkable to view this smaller ensemble and the stark reminder that the Queen is truly gone.
Mostly, this event (and tomorrow’s ceremony) are such important placeholders in our collective remembrance and gratitude for those who have served, and sacrificed for, their countries.
I not making much headway accepting she’s gone either! I just can’t get used to a King when I admired THE Queen so.
DeleteYes, I suppose this small group is now a true representation of the Working Royals. I also find it sad and rather worrisome. The cast is perhaps too old to speak to the younger demographics. For teenagers and 20somethings two fourty year old royals are already ancient; and they are also not interested in the three young Wales children.
DeleteWhat irks me is putting forth that this is the Royal Family whereas it is just the "working" Royal Family. I get that they don't want the balcony to look like a crowded NY subway car. But why can't other of the Queen's grandchildren attend? I doubt they will all want to, but Beatrice and Eugenie have proved to be such assets, or could be further if they were ever acknowledged.
DeleteHRH The Princess of Wales looks lovely & regal in support of crown & country. HRH is such a humble royal, with a compassionate heart full of kindness. The late Queen’s pearls look elegant around The Princess’ neck and are representative of the strong bond between Queen Elizabeth II and The Princess of Wales.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful remembrance of Her Majesty, Elizabeth II. Very moving evening. The Princess of Wales looked lovely.
ReplyDeleteTedi
The Princess looks beautiful tonight. Perfect style for the occasion. As do all the Royal ladies. I have represent they and respect the her in her memory of the late queen princess of wales represent of closes and strong her majesty
ReplyDeleteI like the jacket but the skirt I dislike. The pearl choker and earrings look beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI like this dress in both colours and Kate looks fabulous in it as do the other ladies who have worn it. I’m on the fence re the pearl choker necklace worn with this dress on this occasion I think wear all the bling but if it wasn’t such a formal occasion I don’t think it would have been worn. Sue in WA
ReplyDeleteI don't think the necklace is too much at all. It's a dressy occasion, and it's so beautiful on her neck. As Princess, I think she'll often wear these pieces in the future. It's a touching way to include the late Queen in the ceremonies, just as William said about his mother when Diana's ring became Catherine's engagement ring.
ReplyDeleteThey have been jolly quick embroidering the king's initials on the hammercloth. They look quite heavily padded.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry but Kate looks dowdy in this dress and pearl choker. This look is a miss for me. I also don't agree that she looks fresh faced. When I saw the photos from this engagement my first thought was "Kate looks tired".
ReplyDeleteI really dislike when somebody comments that you look "tired". She may well be tired, and there is one photo that does show dark under her eyes,but it is also the angle, the wide brimmed hat, many factors. BUT overall, she looks very elegant and poised, can we give her that? Not everything is to our individual style, but as a whole, these pieces of jewelry must have significance to her on such a poignant occasion. The hat and the dress are beautiful and a change from what we normally see her in at this event; the photo from the back is timeless! You may think she looks dowdy, and don't care for her jewelry, and that is fine, but please let's not say she looks "tired"; if I were photographed the amount of time she has been, and had half as many photos look absolutely beautiful as hers do, I would be happy and could forgive the one 'not so great one'.
DeleteI agree. She's got three young children. I don't care how much help she has, of course She's tired.
DeleteLovely, both Kate and the occasion. Thank you so much for including the 1954 footage, Charlotte! It's priceless. Some things change but some don't ! I can't even begin to imagine how the members of the RF felt without Her Late Majesty there... Zora
ReplyDeleteThank you for a wonderful post - informative as usual. I love the photo of Queen Camilla and Princess of Wales Catherine. It's my hope that they share a close relationship. A solemn ceremony and more so that the Queen is not there. IMO Catherine is continuing to look tired - I'm thinking that Her Majesty's death has taken a toll on her, given that her status has changed and she's the mother of three young children with more duties. I believe she is up to the tasks at hand, and she will continue to perform her duties/service as she has for years - with dignity grace, respect, and dedication.
ReplyDeleteI think Catherine will incorporate more significant jewelry now, which I think is very important that she wear the historical pieces whenever she gets the chance. It keeps them relevant and special. Jewelry means nothing sitting in a dark box. I don’t think style matters as much as it did before, now she will make more choices based on tradition I believe and seek to carve out a memorable path for herself, to me at least she has become more than Kate but one of the most important people of our time who has the ability to make or break a nation.
ReplyDeleteWell said Anon and I completely agree. Catherine has more of a classic style, and leans towards traditional or sentimental jewelry that has meaning and significance to her. She is completely forging her own path with quiet elegance.
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