‘We will remember them’: Princess of Wales’s touching tribute to the fallen at moving Armistice Day service – as the nation falls silent in memory of the war dead

The Princess of Wales wrote a touching tribute to the fallen as she led a moving Armistice Day ceremony today.

Catherine, 43, arrived at the Royal British Legion Memorial Service at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire this morning.

The royal handwritten the following on a wreath placed at the Armed Forces Memorial: ‘In memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice, we will remember them. Catherine’

Ceremonies are being held across the country today as millions of people pay their respects to those who fought and died for their country.

At the Staffordshire ceremony, ‘Poet in Residence’ Arji Manuelpillai’s new work – ‘A Sonnet for Us All’ – will be read.

Kensington Palace said this reflected the importance of personal connections, experiences and bonds formed through military service – ‘themes that were particularly close to the Princess’ heart’.

The ceremony began at 10.45am, and the princess took part in the traditional two-minute silence at 11am on the 11th day of the 11th month.

Later, after laying a wreath at the Armed Forces Monument, he was invited to see the new names written on it. He will then meet with the veterans who attended the ceremony.

The Princess wears a long black coat and hat to the ceremony to commemorate the martyrs

Catherine lays a wreath at the Armed Forces Monument ceremony today

Catherine wrote a touching tribute to the martyrs with a wreath attached

Princess of Wales looks emotional at Armistice Day Ceremony

A veteran looks emotional on Armistice Day in Bedworth, Warwickshire

Princess looks solemn as she attends ceremony to pay respects to martyrs

Poet Arji Manuelpillai said: ‘A Sonnet for Us All’ encompasses the stories engraved on hundreds of monuments at the National Monument Arboretum; invites people to listen, think and reflect on the emotion that inspired these sculptures.

‘I hope these words shed light on the bonds and relationships that are often hidden by conflict. The quiet care, the lasting friendships and the sense of duty that binds one generation to another.

‘These human connections and the gentle responsibility of carrying love forward are themes that resonate not only with me, but also with Her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales, who holds the importance of service and compassion particularly close to the heart.’

It is understood that Catherine’s husband, the Prince of Wales, also attended the events virtually.

William, 43, recorded a special video message for the Royal British Legion’s ‘Memorial Meeting’.

Hosted by master and presenter JJ Chalmers, the Gathering took place from 10.25am to 11.05am, bringing together young people aged 9-14 in schools, libraries, homeschooling and other learning environments across the UK.

It is designed to encourage youth to participate in Remembrance events to honor veterans and others in the Armed Forces community in partnership with the National Literacy Foundation.

The assembly incorporated music, poetry, art and voices from across the Armed Forces community.

In his video message, the heir to the throne says: ‘Armistice Day is an important time for us to stop and reflect; It reminds us that Remembrance is for everyone.

‘When we remember, we connect with the service in a personal way. We learn from the courage of others and carry their stories forward to ensure they are not forgotten. This isn’t just about the past; It’s also about shaping who we will be in the future.

Queen Camilla and Transport Minister Heidi Alexander (right) at London Paddington railway station as part of Great Western Railway’s ‘Poppies to Paddington’ event to mark Armistice Day

The Princess of Wales attends a dramatic Armistice Day ceremony featuring a specially commissioned poem ‘close to her heart’ (Pictured in Remembrance Sunday)

William, 43, recorded a special video message for the Royal British Legion’s ‘Remembrance Assembly’

‘Remembering teaches us empathy, resilience and responsibility. And when we wear the red poppy or observe a moment of silence, we say ‘Thank you.’ ‘We haven’t forgotten, we won’t forget.’

‘Through my own military experience, as well as my work associated with units in the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force, I have seen first-hand the hard work, dedication and duty that the Armed Forces carry out to ensure we are protected.

‘Coming together in remembrance is a vital way to honor those whose service keeps us safe.’

He adds: ‘Even today, as we face a series of conflicts around the world, we honor those who have gone before us and those who are currently serving.

‘Their memories matter, their lives matter, and they remind us every day to be respectful, kind, brave and thoughtful.’

The Virtual Meeting is open to students aged 9-14 (Years 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9) and can be viewed via YouTube or Zoom from schools, libraries, homeschooling and other learning environments across the UK.

Philippa Rawlinson, Director of Commemoration at the Royal British Legion, said: ‘We are honored to welcome the Prince of Wales to this year’s Commemoration.

‘His contribution, alongside veterans and serving personnel, will encourage young people to attend the Remembrance ceremony and build their own connections with the Armed Forces community, past and present.’

The House was to hear first-hand testimonies from Second World War veterans, as well as direct views from currently serving military personnel RAF Air Commodore Fred Wigglesworth and Army Lieutenant Colonel Manpreet Maycock.

They include George Durrant, 101, from West Sussex, who served with the 14th Army’s Intelligence Service (sometimes referred to as the ‘Forgotten Army’) in Burma from 1944.

Also attending the meeting is 100-year-old Prince Albert Jacob, who grew up in Trinidad’s Port of Spain but left at 17 to join the Royal Air Force and went to the US and Britain to repair aircraft.

He still remembers the day the Allies officially accepted Germany’s surrender.

Mr Jacob was one of millions of soldiers in the Commonwealth who served with the British Armed Forces in the Second World War and is now one of the few surviving Caribbean veterans.