William and Catherine to mark Armistice Day

Catherine, Princess of Wales will be among those attending Armistice Day celebrations on Tuesday.

Catherine will attend a two-minute silence service at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire at 11am GMT to mark the end of the First World War and remember those who have died in all wars since.

Her husband, the Prince of Wales, will also send a video message to young people, sharing his views on the importance of wearing the red poppy and saying “remembrance is for everyone.”

William’s message to children across the UK will be told at the Royal British Legion’s Memorial Meeting on Tuesday morning.

The virtual event brings together children aged nine to 14 in schools, libraries, homeschooling and other learning environments across the UK.

“Armistice Day is an important time for us to pause and reflect; it is a reminder that commemoration is for everyone,” the prince will say.

“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.

“It’s not just about the past, it’s about shaping who we will be in the future.

“Remembering teaches us empathy, resilience and responsibility.

“And when we wear the red poppy or pay tribute, we say, ‘Thank you. We haven’t forgotten, we won’t forget.'”

Meanwhile, the ceremony in Staffordshire will also include the reading of a specially commissioned poem by the arboretum’s poet, Arji Manuelpillai.

“A Sonnet for Us All captures the stories engraved on hundreds of monuments at the National Monument Arboretum, inviting people to listen, reflect and consider the emotion that inspired these sculptures,” Mr. Manuelpillai said.

“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 especially close to heart.”

Later on Tuesday, William will join the King and Queen at Windsor Castle, where a reception will honor veterans who served in the Pacific during the Second World War.

The event, which will also be attended by the Duke of Edinburgh and the Duchess of Gloucester, continues the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of VJ Day, or Victory Over Japan Day.