King and Queen lead royals at Festival of Remembrance as LGBT armed forces to receive special honour

Members of the Royal Family began arriving earlier this evening, with the King and Queen being joined by the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, Princess Kate and Prince George.

This year’s event includes a special recognition of LGBT personnel in the armed forces, marking 25 years since the UK Government lifted the ban on gay, lesbian and bisexual people serving openly.

The festival will also reflect on the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two, recognising the courage and loss experienced across the British and Commonwealth forces.

Personal stories from more recent conflicts will also be featured, with a particular focus on the resilience of bereaved military children.

Senior members of the Royal Family are in attendance this evening, including Princess Kate and Prince George, who have joined the King and Queen to honour the service and sacrifice of the Armed Forces, as well as the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.

The Duchess of Edinburgh and Prince Edward are also present for the ceremony, which happens to coincide with their daughter's 22nd birthday.

GB News understands Prince William is travelling back from Brazil and is therefore not present at tonight’s ceremony.

The Prince of Wales travelled to South America for the Earthshot Prize Awards, which celebrate and honour those searching for solutions to help combat climate change.

His travel schedule meant he was unable to attend the ceremony in London this evening.

Tonight's proceedings are expected to include a musical tribute, readings, and the traditional minute's silence.

For Prince George, this evening’s attendance offers an introduction to one of the most symbolic and reflective occasions in the royal calendar.

While he has previously appeared at major state and ceremonial events — including the Coronation, the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, and the annual Christmas Day service at Sandringham — this marks his first participation in the Festival of Remembrance specifically.

The evening will conclude with the Act of Remembrance and the sounding of the Last Post, before the Royal Family departs the Royal Albert Hall.

Remembrance Sunday events are set to take place nationwide tomorrow.

Princess Kate was seen arriving with Prince George shortly before the ceremony began.

The Princess of Wales has regularly attended the Festival in previous years, but this marks the first time she has done so accompanied by her eldest son.