Queen pays tribute to war dead ahead of Remembrance Day

Lewis Henderson

By Lewis Henderson


Published: 06/11/2025

- 17:09

Camilla spoke to hundreds of veterans at the event

The Queen has paid tribute to the nation's war dead in a touching ceremony ahead of Remembrance Day at Westminster Abbey's Field of Remembrance.

Camilla recognised the sacrifices of those who fought and died for their country in her return to the annual event, following her absence last year due to illness.


The Queen was met by the Dean of Westminster, the Very Rev Dr David Hoyle, before she laid a cross of remembrance in memory of the armed services who lost their lives.

The 78-year-old placed a small wooden cross with a red poppy into a larger cross made from the flower, followed by the sound of the Last Post.

Queen Camilla

The Queen paid a touching tribute Westminster Abbey's Field of Remembrance

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PA

Camilla, alongside hundreds of veterans, fell silent as Big Ben struck 11am.

She then spoke to attendees, volunteers and saw around 40,000 tributes which were laid out in 229 plots in the grounds of Westminster Abbey.

Some of the crosses featured personal messages, including: "Love mum and dad."

The Queen wore a navy blue dress inspired by the Royal Lancers' uniform and a bright red beret equipped with a yellow and blue feather.

Queen Camilla

The Queen wore a navy blue dress inspired by the Royal Lancers' uniform

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PA

Camilla also met with the King's own Scottish borderer Ian Gibbs, who had a "really lovely chat" with the Queen.

They discussed how both of them are from the same village in Sussex and attended Dumbrell's School.

As she toured the plots, she also met with 78-year-old Olivia Barnard-Firth, from the Monte Casino Society.

Camilla presented her with a book published in remembrance of those who lost their lives during the First World War.

Queen Camilla

The Queen spoke to attendees, volunteers and saw around 40,000 tributes

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PA

The Queen also spent around an hour speaking to attendees, discussing the topic she was "very interested" in.

The ceremony marks the 97th year of the Field of Remembrance, which has been held in the grounds of Westminster Abbey since 1928.

King Charles and the Queen will take part in events over the weekend for Remembrance, including the Royal British Legion's Festival of Remembrance on Sunday.

Meanwhile, the King today officially removed his brother, Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, of his prince title.

Queen Camilla

Camilla placed a small wooden cross with a red poppy into a larger cross made of poppies

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PA

Details of the Letters Patent have been published by the Crown Office in The Gazette, the UK's official public record.

The entry read: "THE KING has been pleased by Letters Patent under the Great Seal of the Realm dated November 3, 2025 to declare that Andrew Mountbatten Windsor shall no longer be entitled to hold and enjoy the style, title or attribute of 'Royal Highness' and the titular dignity of 'Prince'."

Last week, a key step was taken in permanently removing Andrew's royal title.

Andrew's name was scrubbed from the official roll of the peerage, which marked a major step in formally removing his titles.