BREAKING NEWS: The Prince and Princess of Wales are set to honor Armistice Day today, November 11, 2023, with significant events reflecting their commitment to remembrance and honoring veterans.
Prince William will deliver a heartfelt message to young people across the UK, emphasizing that “remembrance is for everyone,” as he encourages the wearing of the iconic red poppy. This video message will be broadcast during the Royal British Legion’s Remembrance Assembly, reaching children aged 9-14 at 10:25 AM via YouTube and Zoom, culminating in a two-minute silence at 11:00 AM.
In his message, Prince William states, “Armistice Day is an important time for us to stop and reflect – it is a reminder that remembrance is for everyone.” He highlights the importance of remembering the sacrifices made by veterans and serving members of the armed forces, sharing insights from his own military experiences. “Their memories matter, their lives matter, and they remind us to be respectful, kind, brave, and thoughtful every day,” he asserts.
The assembly will feature touching testimonies from Second World War veterans, including 101-year-old George Durrant, who served in Burma, and 100-year-old Prince Albert Jacob, who joined the Royal Air Force at just 17.
Meanwhile, Kate Middleton will participate in a Service of Remembrance at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, starting at 10:45 AM. The service will include a two-minute silence at 11:00 AM and a wreath-laying ceremony on the Armed Forces Memorial.
The service will feature the reading of a specially commissioned poem by resident poet Arji Manuelpillai, titled “A Sonnet For Us All.” Manuelpillai describes the poem as capturing the stories etched into the memorials, inviting attendees to reflect on the emotional connections these sculptures represent.
After the service, Kate will view new names dedicated on the Armed Forces Memorial and meet with veterans present.
Later today, Prince William will join the King and Queen at Windsor Castle for a reception honoring veterans who served in the Pacific during the Second World War. This gathering continues the commemorations for the 80th anniversary of VJ Day (Victory over Japan), demonstrating the royal family’s ongoing commitment to remembering those who served.
As these events unfold, the significance of remembrance is more crucial than ever, reinforcing the values of empathy, resilience, and responsibility among future generations. Stay tuned for updates as the day progresses.
