https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-12735121/Kate-Middleton-cuts-solemn-figure-elegant-black-outfit-joins-Queen-Camilla-balcony-Remembrance-Sunday-Service.htmlKate Middleton cuts a solemn figure in an elegant black outfit as she joins Queen Camilla on a balcony at the Remembrance Sunday Service
The Princess of Wales, 41, dressed all in black as she appeared in Whitehall
READ MORE: King Charles leads Remembrance Day service at Cenotaph
By Lydia Hawken For Mailonline
Published: 11:03, 12 November 2023 | Updated: 15:01, 12 November 2023
The Princess of Wales looked solemn as she appeared at the Cenotaph for a poignant service to remember fallen soldiers. Kate, 41, maintained a sombre expression for the occasion and dressed in an all black outfit as she arrived at the Remembrance Sunday Service at Cenotaph in London. On the lapel of her Alexander McQueen military-inspired coat, Kate opted for three red poppies to pay tribute to all those who have lost their lives in conflict while fighting for their country. The mother-of-three also wore a silver brooch, which she was awarded when she became Commodore-in-Chief of the Fleet Air Arm earlier this year. The royal styled her hair in a chic updo and completed her ensemble with a large Philip Treacy hat, with an elegant velvet bow. The Princess of Wales first wore her Alexander McQueen coat for the Remembrance Service in 2019 and debuted her Philip Treacy hat for her first Christmas at Sandringham in 2006. At the start of the service, a two-minute silence took place across the UK at 11am. Wreaths were then laid by members of the royal family, senior politicians and dignitaries at the Cenotaph in London. Charles led the country at the Whitehall memorial in commemorating the end of the First World War and other conflicts involving British and Commonwealth forces. Wearing the uniform of the Marshal of the Royal Air Force with greatcoat, poppy and sword, the King laid a wreath similar to the one produced for King George VI. The wreath featured 41 open style poppy petals made from bonded fabric. It was mounted on an arrangement of black leaves traditional for sovereign’s wreaths of 27-inch diameter ribbon and bow using the colours from the King’s racing silk scarlet, purple and gold. A wreath was laid at the Cenotaph for the Queen by Major Ollie Plunket, The Rifles, equerry to Camilla. The Queen viewed the Remembrance Day service from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office centre balcony, alongside the Princess of Wales. Camilla's wreath closely resembled the wreath produced for the Queen Mother, Buckingham Palace said. The Duke of Edinburgh and the Princess Royal also laid wreaths at the Cenotaph. Senior politicians including Rishi Sunak, Sir Keir Starmer, Sir Ed Davey, James Cleverly and Suella Braverman were assembled near the Cenotaph. Behind them were former prime ministers Liz Truss, Boris Johnson, David Cameron, Gordon Brown, Theresa May, Sir Tony Blair and Sir John Major. The Prime Minister was among senior politicians who have laid a wreath at the Cenotaph. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, Foreign Secretary James Cleverly and Ms Braverman also took part in the ceremony. Almost 10,000 veterans and 800 armed forces personnel from all three services were then due to take part in a march-past. Among those marching are nuclear test veterans, who for the first time will wear a medal acknowledging their contribution. After 70 years of waiting for recognition, those exposed to the effects of nuclear bombs during the UK's testing programme were given a medal, depicting an atom surrounded by olive branches, for the Remembrance Sunday service. More than 300 armed forces and civilian organisations are represented, as well as 300 veterans not affiliated with an association who have been invited to join for the first time. Meanwhile across the pond, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been paying tribute to veterans in the US and around the world this week. On Thursday the Duke and Duchess of Sussex joined the Navy SEAL Foundation for the official opening of a new training base, known as the 'West Coast Warrior Fitness Programme' facility, ahead of Veterans Day on November 11. The couple were meeting veterans, servicemen and women and and their loved-ones at Camp Pendleton. Last night, King Charles unveiled new statues of his late parents at the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance in London. The life-sized bronze artworks, commemorating the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh's dedication to the Royal Albert Hall, were erected as part of the building's 150th anniversary. Charles was joined by Queen Camilla and the Prince and Princess of Wales at the Royal British Legion's Festival of Remembrance, with Kate wearing one of the late Queen's pearl necklaces. The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, the Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and the Duke of Kent were also in attendance. As they took their seats, Charles was seen waving to the packed hall. Mr Sunak observed the event from a box to the left of the royals alongside his wife Akshata Murty while Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer sat in a separate box to the right with his wife Lady Victoria. The event saw the King unveil the statue of his late mother, while Camilla pulled back the curtain on the bust of Prince Philip. Upon arriving, Charles and Camilla shook hands with two men before they revealed the statues for the first time. After a countdown of three, Camilla pulled on a golden rope and red velvet curtains revealed the bronze statue of Prince Philip
