Their Majesties the King and Queen were joined by the Prince and Princess of Wales and other family members for the deeply touching Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall.
The Prince and Princess were greeted by representatives from the Royal Albert Hall and the Royal British Legion upon arrival.
Of course, last year's Festival of Remembrance was especially emotional for the family, coming just two months after the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. The event was a firm staple in Her late Majesty's calendar, and Remembrance weekend, commemoration events and opportunities to honour those who served were a central tenet of both the late Queen's and the late 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. Below, the Queen and Prince Philip pictured in 2014.
In an entirely fitting moment, tonight the King and Queen unveiled a statue of the late royal couple.
The sculptures of Elizabeth II and Philip, and Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, were commissioned by the Royal Albert Hall as part of their 150th anniversary celebrations in 2021.
More from the Royal Albert Hall:
'As part of its 150th anniversary celebrations, the Royal Albert Hall has commissioned new sculptures of Queen Victoria, Prince Albert, Her Majesty the Queen, and His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, which will be permanent additions to the beloved London venue.
The commissions were given following a competition process involving a shortlist of seven sculptors supported by the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST), a charity dedicated to supporting excellence in British craftsmanship.
The sculptors selected for the project are Poppy Field for the South Porch with bronze figures of The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh, and Tom Brown and Tom Nicholls of London Stone Carving for the North Porch with stone figures of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Josh Locksmith, also of London Stone Carving, has also been integral to the project as it has developed.'
Ian McCulloch, President of the Royal Albert Hall, said: "The Hall is in our temporary stewardship, and it’s our duty to ensure it is here to inspire generations to come. As well as launching artistic and engagement programmes as part of our 150th anniversary celebrations, we wanted to commemorate the milestone with something tangible, and these sculptures will finally complete the façade of our glorious Grade I listed building.”
Sarah Pocock LVO, CEO of Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust, added: “We are so proud that QEST scholars have been commissioned to finally finish the Royal Albert Hall’s iconic façade through the creation of these sculptures and we are extremely grateful to the Royal Albert Hall for choosing to work with QEST in championing British craftmanship."
Other members of the family in attendance included the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh.
The Duchess was elegant in a dress by ME+EM (With thanks to @JapaneseGinger).
The Duke of Edinburgh.
The Princess Royal arriving.
The always radiant Duchess of Gloucester.
The royals enter the Royal Box.
The Prince and Princess watch on as the event begins.
This year’s festival marks 80 years since the Battle of the Atlantic and the 70th anniversary of the Korean War. The festival is an opportunity for the nation to say thank you to all who served, and to those who sacrificed their lives.
In tribute to the 75th anniversary of the HMT Empire Windrush’s arrival, this year’s festival honoured the incredible contributions made by the Windrush generation to the military.
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.
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. Below, an image of the cloth from last year's event.
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."
The event was hosted by Clare Balding. Ahead of the performance, the BBC revealed: "Our currently serving personnel will also be celebrated as we hear of the remarkable work of the British Army Chaplains in training their Ukrainian counterparts and we give thanks for the essential role that military families play in supporting those that serve. Past and present military personnel will come together to be honoured for their service and dedication in defending our freedoms and way of life. As the petals fall in the Royal Albert Hall, the Festival will pay tribute to all victims of war and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice."
The night featured entertaining and moving performances by British soul legend Mica Paris, Calum Scott, Chelsea Pensioner Colin Thackery, Alfie Boe, singer songwriter Katie Melua, chart-topping DJ-duo Sigma featuring Morgan, and 14 year old budding opera star Malaki.
The Royal Marines Band.
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.
The Princess chose several pieces with significant meaning tonight.
The black Emilia Wickstead Kate chose was first worn for a Buckingham Palace luncheon held two days before the Queen's funeral.
Also seen above, Kate wore the Queen's three-strand pearl necklace tonight.
Kate also accessorised with the Queen's Bahrain Pearl earrings.
A striking element of Kate's look tonight was her choice of brooch.
With thanks to Emma and several eagled-eyed tweeters, it is in fact, the Queen's Dragoon Guards Brooch. Kate was presented with the piece during her first official engagement with the regiment on Wednesday.
And, of course, a poppy on her lapel.
We'll see the Prince and Princess of Wales and members of the Royal family in the morning for Remembrance Sunday ceremonies.
The Princess looked beautiful tonight. It's always nice to see her wearing the late Queen's jewellery. Those pearls look beautiful on her. I love her new brooch. I understand that she got a diamond version of it. I was surprised to see the Queen wearing diamond's and not pearls. She looked great. A lovely touch to unveil the new statue's tonight. A very fitting tribute to both the late Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip. S.😀.
ReplyDeleteI really like Sophie's velour dress, very chic and a bit modern ! On the contrary, Kate's dress doesn't seem very appropriate for such an evening, a fairly simple and bland dress. I only love her hairstyle...
ReplyDeleteCompletely agree with you! Something less funereal was needed here. Sophie looks wonderful!
DeleteThis is event is a sombre remembrance of those who lost their lives in the war. This is not a cocktail party. So what you call a simple and bland dress, I call an elegant and respectful dress, that is most certainly appropriate.
DeleteIt is funereal but that seems appropriate as the event is based on many lives lost. And the horrible current headlines also make this a somber event.
DeleteThank you Charlotte. I was feeling frightfully homesick and your prompt lovely post is just the thing. Lest we forget.
ReplyDeleteI like this event, solemn and serious though it is. I liked Catherine's dress and jewellery tonight. I'm not so fond of her hair. Thank you for including the 2014 photo of QEII: I was surprised to see the fairly bright colour she wore. I like the two statues that were unveiled. Liked Anne's dress but not Sophie's.
ReplyDeleteKate looked lovely the dress is elegant. A perfect choice to wear the Queens pearl necklace but I think it needs to be shortened as I don’t think it’s a flattering length on Kate.
ReplyDeleteSophie looked beautiful love the sleeves on her dress. Sue in WA
The Princess looked beautiful. Her dress was very appropriate. Love the strand of pearls, perfect length. The Bahrain pearl drop earrings looked stunning.
ReplyDeleteI like the Princess of Wales' entire look for this occasion, and wish she would wear the beautiful
ReplyDeletepearls more often. I would like to see this dress in a lighter color, in order to get the details. It is a classic style and would look good for different occasions.
Thank you for all the photos. The Princess looked beautiful, and I’m happy she rewore a dress. I thought those were Queen Elizabeth’s pearls. I wonder how about how King feels revealing statues of his parents? I’m sure he is proud, but it must feel weird.
ReplyDeleteI must admit that I do not care for Princess Catharine's latest hairstyle. It seems overly trendy and very retro '70s. The picture of her included in this post from last year shows a much more elegant hairstyle. Hopefully she will return to it.
ReplyDeleteI agree.
DeleteCatherine looks lovely and is very appropriately dressed for the occasion. The pearls really suit her and are the perfect length for her dress,
ReplyDeleteI think Princess Anne is wearing the “everyday” pearls worn by her late mother and her earrings look like the pearl buttons so often worn by the late Queen but it can be hard to tell as the BRF has so much similar pearl jewellery.
I am so glad, I was afraid Kate was going to wear a black suit. I really like her dress, it is flattering and flowing but still solemn and elegant. The pearls are perfect.
ReplyDeleteI don’t think I have ever seen someone as timelessly elegant as the Duchess of Gloucester.
ReplyDeleteI like Kate’s choice of jewellery but feel her dress is missing something. It looks a bit basic and cheap when we know it’s anything but. The late Queen is a good example that the all black solemn look is more a thing of the present. There is a lot of room for some sparkle and intricate design at this event. In all honesty this engagement is more about happily remembering, thanking and celebrating the achievements, bravery and triumph. The serious and solemn side is faced on Sunday.
C.
I believe Kate felt it was more appropriate to wear a more solemn dress... with everything that is going on in the world right now, it seems very understandable to me - not much room for sparkle. I love her choice of pearls, I immediately thought of the late Queen when I saw them. And I was stunned how lovely Princess Anne looked in the group photo. All the royal ladies were elegant. Thank you, Charlotte! Zora from Prague
DeleteWhile I don’t think we will ever see someone in a colourful sequinned dress again- I do think there is a difference between looking appropriate for a funeral and wearing dark colours/black but still in a more celebratory way. A sparkly brooch, a more intricate dress, be it through embellishments, fabrics, cut or pleating…all good options. Sophie is a good example, even though I am not the biggest fan of her dress.
DeleteI think Kate hit just the right note with her choice of dress and jewelry. The dress is definitely one of the more plain ones in her wardrobe but I do really like it.
ReplyDeleteI did notice the other ladies wearing brooches - does anyone know what they are for - Kate’s is from her military appointment, I’m just curious if the others are the same.
For Charles and really any of the royal family, I would imagine it is difficult to be the one to open something in Queen Elizabeth’s honor and memory. It is a reminder that she is no longer with them and that she was, truly, once in a lifetime. She left behind quite legacy for them to uphold and I imagine that is emotional to hold.
Catherine looks gorgeous. The dress is beautiful and love the jewelry choices. vey elegant and classic. Her hair looks lovely. ali
ReplyDeleteI like that Kate choose a repeat. This is a lovely dress - the fit, clean lines, and beautiful fabric. And I love the 3-strand pearl necklace (I would have liked to see her hair in a different style - IMHO the high neckline calls for hair off the face. I believe this necklace length is referred to as Matinee (at least 24") and the pearls appear to be graduated. I've trying to figure out when was the last time HM wore this necklace? Elizabeth had a 3-strand choker necklace from 1935 - pearls are all the same size - is this the one her father gave her? Elizabeth commissioned a 3-strand necklace in 1952 with a diamond clasp which has graduated pearls. And then another 3-strand pearl necklace was gifted to the Queen in 1953 as a coronation present by the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Ali bin Abdullah Al Thani. Which is the necklace that Kate was gifted? I read that Anne received a pearl necklace as well - which one? I think the lengths of HM's pearl necklaces might be deceiving. Thoughts?
ReplyDeleteElle, I agree with you about Catherine’s dress and pearls, I loved both.In case you aren’t aware of it,The Court Jeweller is a wonderful site,with lots of information about royal jewelry. Maybe it will have the information that you’re looking for 😊
DeleteI dont think they are HMs necklace that Kate is wearing.. Certainly, not the one gifted by her father. Anne has that one. I believe Anne actually has 2 of her pearl necklaces. If Elizabeth wore these pearls it was long ago and rarely worn.
DeleteAt the nudge by @Joanne - I did a little more research. And yes, I had checked the Court Jeweller previously but couldn't find the answer. But in this blog post (and it's about HM's broaches) https://www.thecourtjeweller.com/2022/11/queen-elizabeth-iis-festival-of-remembrance-brooches.html I think I found it. If you look at the photos from 2013 and 2019 I think that's the necklace given to Kate. And I agree @DragonFly that Anne most likely got the first pearls from 1935. So that leaves the 3-strand graduated pearls from 1952, there is a 2-strand which looks graduated, and then typically worn together are the Queen Anne & Queen Caroline pearls and then the Hanoverian Pearls (sometimes worn with the clasp as a pendant). And of course the monster pearl necklace - Queen Elizabeth's Qatari Pearl Necklace (6 strands and diamond embellishments). It's wild to think about how much jewelry there is in the BRF.
DeleteThe Princess looked beautiful. Her dress love the she matches up with the jeweler
ReplyDeleteThe queen did not necessarily wear sombre clothing to this. But Kate really needs to learn a poker face. She looked furious in some video I saw and William looked pained.
ReplyDeleteAnne and the Duchess of Gloucester looked the best here, considering they are probably the oldest royal women pictured in this post. Both look happy, relaxed, and natural. They have a lot of royal experience under their belt. The things they witnessed. Oy!
ReplyDeleteThank you for this lovely post. Seeing HM Queen Elizabeth II in the photo makes me very sad I really miss her. She did so much for veterans and made Remembrance Day so very special since she lived through the war and devoted her life to service from such a young age. Hope she is at peace and knows how much she is loved
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