Prince George, the 12-year-old heir to the throne, joined his mother Kate Middleton, King Charles, and Queen Camilla at the Royal British Legion’s Festival of Remembrance in London on November 8, 2025. This marked his first appearance at the annual event, which commemorates military personnel who lost their lives in service.
The senior royals gathered at the Royal Albert Hall for the festival, an annual tradition organized by the Royal British Legion. As they entered the concert hall, the audience stood and a fanfare played, setting a solemn tone for the evening. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and his wife Victoria were also in attendance, highlighting the event’s national significance. The festival serves as a precursor to Remembrance Sunday, when the nation pauses to honor the fallen.
Prince George’s presence was a notable milestone, as it was believed to be his first time attending the Festival of Remembrance. The 12-year-old prince sat beside his mother, Catherine, Princess of Wales, who has been gradually returning to public duties after her cancer treatment. George wore a dark suit accented with a red poppy pin, symbolizing remembrance, while his mother chose an elegant black dress by Alessandra Rich with a white lace collar.
King Charles and Queen Camilla led the royal contingent, with the King set to lead the nation in two minutes of silence the following day at the Cenotaph. Notably absent was Prince William, the Prince of Wales, who was traveling back from Brazil after attending the Earthshot Prize Awards. His absence was planned, as he is expected to return in time for Remembrance Sunday ceremonies.
This year’s festival held special significance, marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two and the 25th anniversary of the end of the ban on gay people serving in the armed forces. The event reflected on the discrimination faced by LGBT personnel, with members of the charity Fighting With Pride in attendance. King Charles had recently unveiled a memorial to LGBT military personnel, underscoring the monarchy’s support for inclusivity.
The evening featured performances by renowned artists, including Sir Rod Stewart and Sam Ryder, accompanied by military bands such as the RAF Squadronaires. Actress Hannah Waddingham hosted the event, sharing personal gratitude for veterans, including her 109-year-old grandfather who served in the Royal Navy. The Chelsea Pensioners, retired British Army veterans, were honored with a standing ovation as they marched across the stage.
The Festival of Remembrance is a key part of the UK’s annual commemorations, leading into Remembrance Sunday on November 9 and Armistice Day on November 11. On Sunday, the King will be joined by senior royals and political leaders at the National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph, where wreaths will be laid. Thousands of armed forces veterans, including around 20 World War Two veterans, are expected to participate in the march-past.
For the Princess of Wales, the event continued her steady return to public life after health challenges. She will mark Armistice Day by visiting the National Memorial Arboretum and laying a wreath at the Armed Forces Memorial. Meanwhile, the royal family’s gathering was their first major event since the recent stripping of titles from Prince Andrew, signaling a focus on core members and traditions. The series of remembrance events comes amid a busy period for the royal family, including the recent move of William and Kate’s family to their new home, Forest Lodge in Windsor. The Festival of Remembrance not only honors the past but also reinforces the monarchy’s role in national unity and memory, with the younger generation like Prince George beginning to take part in these important duties.
