Duchess of Edinburgh comforts Duke of Kent on Remembrance Sunday in emotional moment

Lewis Henderson

By Lewis Henderson


Published: 09/11/2025

- 11:10

Updated: 09/11/2025

- 11:53

The Duke of Kent's wife, Katharine, died two months ago

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, was seen comforting the Duke of Kent on the Remembrance Sunday balcony in an emotional moment between the two royals.

The pair overlooked the Cenotaph on the left balcony as the ceremony, led by King Charles, unfolded.


The Duke of Kent's appearance on Remembrance Sunday comes two months after his wife, Katharine, died at the age of 92.

Prince Edward, Duke of Kent has a lengthy history in military services.

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh and the Duke of Kent

The Duke of Kent's appearance on Remembrance Sunday comes two months after his wife, Katharine, passed away

|

PA

From his graduation at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in 1955, he was commissioned into the Royal Scots Greys as a Second Lieutenant.

His Royal Highness served with the Regiment for over 20 years, including Cyprus and Northern Ireland.

He retired from the Army as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1976, but was given the honorary rank of Major General in 1983 and Field Marshal in 1993.

The Duke of Kent is Deputy Colonel-in-Chief of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards.

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh

Sophie overlooking the Cenotaph as the ceremony unfolded

|

PA

He served as a Colonel of the Scots Guards from 1974 for 50 years until 2024, when he handed over Colonelcy of the Regiment to Prince Edward.

Edward's wife, Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, watched from the left balcony of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

His wreath was laid by Captain Pieter Myburgh, his Equerry from The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards (Carabiniers and Greys).

The pair were joined by Queen Camilla and the Princess of Wales, both dressed in black, who sang the national anthem on Remembrance Sunday from a balcony overlooking the Cenotaph.

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh and the Duke of Kent

The Duke of Kent served as a Colonel of the Scots Guards from 1974

|

GETTY

They were also accompanied by the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester on the balcony.

The King led the nation in remembrance, with Prince William and Prince Edward also taking part in the annual National Service of Remembrance in central London.

His Majesty placed a wreath at the Whitehall memorial to honour those who have died in conflict.

Charles, as Sovereign, serves as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. His relationship with the military began in March 1971 at RAF Cranwell, where he earned his RAF wings.

King Charles, Prince William and Prince EdwardKing Charles, Prince William and Prince Edward pictured on Remembrance Sunday | PA

Prince William also laid a wreath at the Cenotaph, as he stood alongside senior members of the Royal Family and representatives of the Armed Forces.

The father-of-three completed seven and a half years of full-time operational service before stepping back from active duties in 2013.

The Prince holds several honorary ranks and appointments, including Colonel of the Welsh Guards; Colonel-in-Chief of The Mercian Regiment and the Army Air Corps; Royal Honorary Air Commodore at RAF Valley; and Commodore-in-Chief, Submarines.

Princess Kate viewed the ceremony from the Centre Balcony of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office building.