Kate Middleton looked sombre as she joined the King and Queen at the Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph in London
Jennifer Newton Deputy Royal Editor and Ellie Fry Features Editor
19:10, 09 Nov 2025
The Princess of Wales during the Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph in London. (Image: Jonathan Brady/PA Wire)
The Princess of Wales appeared deeply moved as she joined the nation in a moment of quiet reflection during this morning’s annual Remembrance Sunday at the Cenotaph.
She observed as the King and her husband, Prince William, laid wreaths at the national war memorial in Whitehall before participating in a two-minute silence at 11am.
Dressed in a black coat and matching hat, the princess watched the proceedings from the balcony of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. Typically, she adorns her jacket with three large poppies – but eagle-eyed Royal enthusiasts noticed a significant change to her attire this year.
Instead of her customary three, Kate wore a single large poppy. However, Queen Camilla and Duchess Sophie each wore three flowers.
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Although never officially confirmed by the palace, it is theorised that the royals wear multiple brooches to honour family members who have served and lost their lives in wars, reports the Mirror.
Kate’s great-grandmother had three brothers who all tragically died in action during World War One, and the princess had the chance to read letters from her ancestors during a poignant visit to the Imperial War Museum in 2018.
Other female members of the Royal Family often choose to do the same. The late Queen was known for wearing a collection of five poppies to the Cenotaph, believed to be her way of paying tribute to the five branches of service: the Army, the Royal Navy, and the RAF.
Kate’s appearance at the Cenotaph follows her attendance at the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall last night, where she was accompanied by Prince George and the King and Queen. This marked the young prince’s first time at the annual event.
The Duchess of Edinburgh and the Duke of Kent during the Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph in London. (Image: PA)
Britain’s King Charles III (front) and Britain’s Prince William, Prince of Wales attend the Remembrance Sunday ceremony at the Cenotaph on Whitehall in central London on November 9, 2025.(Image: POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
She donned a black dress with a white collar designed by Alessandra Rich, accessorised with an HMS Glasgow brooch and earrings that once belonged to the late Queen. She was spotted engaging in conversation and pointing out various aspects of the event to her son.
The event featured readings, prayers and music.
The princess’s dress was embellished with a handmade poppy crafted from silk, glass and other natural materials. The poppy was created by Izzy Ager of Lock and Co, a recent graduate from the Royal School of Needlework.
On Tuesday, Kate will continue her Remembrance Sunday duties by leading the nation in tribute once more. Earlier this week, Kensington Palace announced that she will visit the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire for a service of remembrance to commemorate Armistice Day.
The princess is set to attend the service at the Armed Forces Memorial, which leads the nation in commemoration on 11 November. There, she will lay a wreath and participate in the national two-minute silence at 11am.
The ceremony at the National Memorial Arboretum will include a reading of a unique poem by the Arboretum’s Poet in Residence, Arji Manuelpillai. The poem emphasises the significance of personal relationships, experiences and bonds formed through military service, themes that resonate deeply with the Princess.
Talent in the Ranks and Black Voices will also perform during the service. Once the ceremony concludes, Kate will inspect the newly dedicated names on the Armed Forces Memorial and meet veterans who attended the service.
She will also engage with a group of secondary school students from military families, whose parents are currently deployed, highlighting the often overlooked but vital contribution of Service families.
Lastly, she will have the chance to view a special exhibition currently showcased at the Arboretum, Letters from the Frontline – Words, War and Victory.
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