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Royal Family join veterans and families at Festival of Remembrance

AFP via Getty Images The Royal Family pictured standing during the festival.AFP via Getty Images
Catherine, Princess of Wales, the Prince of Wales, King Charles and Queen Camilla pictured during the annual remembrance event

King Charles III led senior members of the Royal Family as they paid tribute to British service personnel at this year's Festival of Remembrance.

The Prince of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales, joined the King and Queen Camilla at London's Royal Albert Hall to commemorate those who lost their lives in service, on the eve of Remembrance Sunday.

The audience stood and a fanfare played as the royals entered the concert hall for the annual event, which was also attended by bereaved families and serving personnel.

The King will lead the nation in two minutes of silence on Sunday to remember those who died serving in the two world wars and other conflicts.

He will be joined by other senior royals and political leaders at the annual National Service of Remembrance ceremony at the Cenotaph in central London, where they will lay wreaths.

Some 10,000 veterans will take part in the Royal British Legion's march-past, representing more than 300 different armed forces and civilian organisations.

Getty Images Catherine and William pictured arriving at the eventGetty Images
Catherine wore the Irish Guards regimental brooch, earrings that once belonged to the late Queen Elizabeth II and a handmade poppy
Getty Images King Charles and Queen Camilla smile as they arrive at the eventGetty Images
The King became patron of the Royal British Legion in 2024

The Royal British Legion's festival, which was broadcast on BBC One at 21:00, was hosted by Clive Myrie and included performances by musicians such as Alfie Boe and Mica Paris.

The Chelsea Pensioners - retired British Army veterans - were also among those in attendance, while several armed forces bands took to the stage to perform, including the Band of Royal Air Force Regiment.

This year's festival marks the 35th anniversary of the end of the First Gulf War and 15 years since the conclusion of British military operations in Iraq under Operation Telic, with veterans sharing their personal stories and experiences of the conflicts.

Last year, Prince George joined the King, Queen Camilla and the Princess of Wales at the concert for what was thought to be the first time.

Getty Images A wide shot of the Festival of RemembranceGetty Images

Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Defence Secretary Wes Streeting were also present.

Events will take place around the country to mark Remembrance Sunday, which is observed on the closest Sunday to Armistice Day on 11 November - when World War One ended in 1918.

The prime minister said: "Remembrance Sunday gives us an opportunity, not only to mark that sacrifice and offer our gratitude, but also to reflect on its significance. To reflect on the selflessness and courage it takes to commit your life to protecting others.

"I want to offer my personal thanks to those who served and those who continue to serve in our Armed Forces communities to this day."