Princess Kate has made a surprise appearance at the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall this evening, accompanied by her eldest son, Prince George.
The Princess of Wales was seen wearing a £1,685 dress by British designer Alessandra Rich, paired with the HMS Glasgow Brooch and earrings that belonged to Queen Elizabeth II.
She also wore a poppy created by Izzy Ager of Lock & Co., a recent graduate of the Royal School of Needlework.
The poppy is handmade using silk, glass and other natural materials, with all proceeds going to The Poppy Appeal.
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Prince George, who is 12, joined his mother for the annual ceremony for the first time.
His attendance marks his debut at the Festival of Remembrance specifically, rather than a general introduction to royal engagements, having previously taken part in national events including the Coronation and Remembrance services.
The Princess of Wales has regularly attended the Festival in previous years.
Tonight’s appearance with Prince George represents a continuation of introducing him to national acts of remembrance, alongside the Royal Family’s public role in commemorating service and sacrifice.
Princess Kate dazzles in Alessandra Rich dress alongside Prince George at Royal Albert Hall
|REUTERS
King Charles and Queen Camilla are leading the Royal Family this evening, with the Duke of Gloucester, the Duchess of Edinburgh and Prince Edward also in attendance.
Prince William is not attending the ceremony this evening.
GB News understands the Prince of Wales is returning to the UK from Brazil following environmental engagements linked to the Earthshot Prize, including the awards ceremony in Rio de Janeiro and meetings in Belém. His travel schedule means he is not present at the Royal Albert Hall tonight.
The Festival of Remembrance is organised by the Royal British Legion and takes place annually on the eve of Remembrance Sunday to honour the service and sacrifice of the British and Commonwealth Armed Forces.
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Prince George makes Royal Family debut alongside Princess Kate to honour British Armed Forces | REUTERSThis year’s programme includes a number of significant commemorations. The event marks 80 years since the end of World War Two, paying tribute to those who served across the Allied forces.
It also reflects on more recent conflicts and the experiences of families who have lost loved ones while serving, with a particular focus on bereaved military children.
The ceremony additionally acknowledges the 25th anniversary of the UK Government lifting the ban on gay, lesbian and bisexual personnel serving openly in the armed forces.
Princess Kate accessorised with a red poppy and a cross necklace
|REUTERS
The programme highlights both the discrimination faced before the ban was removed and the progress made since.
Inside the hall, the event is expected to include readings, musical performances and personal testimonies from serving personnel and veterans, leading to the Act of Remembrance.
The ceremony traditionally concludes with a moment of silence as thousands of poppy petals fall from the roof of the Royal Albert Hall to honour those who lost their lives in conflict.