Prince George makes Royal Family debut alongside Princess Kate to honour British Armed Forces

Dorothy Reddin

By Dorothy Reddin


Published: 08/11/2025

- 19:01

Updated: 08/11/2025

- 19:54

It comes as Prince William will not be present in tonight's Royal Family lineup

Prince George has joined Princess Kate at the Festival of Remembrance this evening, marking his first time attending the annual commemoration at the Royal Albert Hall.

The appearance signifies his growing role within key national moments, just six months after attending a tea party at Buckingham Palace with the Prince and Princess of Wales to commemorate VE Day.


The 12-year-old accompanied his mother tonight as members of the Royal Family gathered to honour the service and sacrifice of the British and Commonwealth Armed Forces community.

King Charles and Queen Camilla led the family at the ceremony, which has been held in its modern form since 1927 and remains one of the most significant events in the national calendar of remembrance.

The Festival takes place on the eve of Remembrance Sunday and brings together veterans, serving personnel, families, and representatives of the Armed Forces.

The hall traditionally falls silent in collective reflection, accompanied by music, readings and the dropping of petals from the roof in memory of those who lost their lives.

This year’s event marks a number of key anniversaries. The programme reflects on the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two, acknowledging the scale of sacrifice across Britain and the Commonwealth.

It also recognises the experiences of bereaved military families, with a particular focus on children whose parents have died during service.

Prince George and Princess Kate

Prince George makes Royal Family debut alongside Princess Kate to honour British Armed Forces

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REUTERS

Another significant moment this evening is the acknowledgement of 25 years since the UK lifted the ban preventing gay, lesbian and bisexual personnel from serving openly in the armed forces.

The Festival is expected to reflect both the discrimination that existed before the change and the progress made in the years since.

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.

The pair joined the King and Queen, along with the Duchess of Edinburgh, Prince Edward, the Duke of Gloucester and the Duchess of Gloucester, who are also present at the event.

Prince George

Prince George joining his mother, Princess Kate, on the eve of Remembrance Sunday

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REUTERS

Prince William is not attending tonight, with GB News understanding that the Prince of Wales is returning to the UK from Brazil following a programme of environmental engagements linked to the Earthshot Prize.

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

The Festival of Remembrance is organised by the Royal British Legion and serves as a national expression of gratitude towards those who have served across generations, from large-scale conflicts to more recent operations.

Performances, personal testimonies and filmed tributes are interwoven to highlight both historic sacrifice and ongoing service.

King Charles

King Charles pictured at the Festival of Remembrance

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REUTERS

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.