Prince and Princess of Wales Attend Remembrance Service Amid Queen’s Absence Due to Health Issues

London, Royal Albert Hall – The Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Kate, attended the Royal British Legion’s annual Remembrance service at the Royal Albert Hall this evening. Their presence came in place of Queen Camilla, who had to withdraw from her planned engagements on doctors’ advice due to a chest infection.

The Prince and Princess of Wales arriving to attend the annual Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance (Picture: Chris J. Ratcliffe/PA Wire)

The Princess of Wales had undergone treatment for an undisclosed cancer over the past few months, taking a step back from her duties due to her health.

Dressed in dark attire with red poppies pinned to their lapels, the Prince and Princess were seen conversing as they took their seats beside each other in the hall, an appearance that underscored their commitment to honouring Britain’s armed forces.

Princess Kate before taking her seat (Picture: Reuters)

King Charles also attended, receiving applause as he entered the hall to commemorate sacrifices made by the British and Commonwealth armed forces. The service featured musical performances and testimonies.

Kate looked radiant as she cut a sleek figure in a stunning black dress with a Poppy pin honouring Britain’s military tonight

Queen Camilla’s absence marks a change in the traditional lineup of royal attendees for this solemn event. A Buckingham Palace spokesperson confirmed, “Following doctors’ guidance to ensure a full recovery from a seasonal chest infection and to protect others from any potential risk, Her Majesty will not attend this weekend’s Remembrance service.”

General view of the annual Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance (Picture: Chris J. Ratcliffe/PA Wire)

The Queen, who reportedly will observe the day privately from home, expressed disappointment at her absence, and Palace officials confirmed her hope to return to public duties soon.

Camilla’s medical team, exercising caution, advised against her participation at the Cenotaph on Sunday. The extended time outdoors in November weather could compromise her recovery.

King Charles and Princess Anne applauding (Picture: Reuters)

Palace sources assured that her condition has not deteriorated and emphasised that she wishes to avoid passing the illness to others. Earlier in the week, Camilla was forced to cancel additional engagements, including a reception for Olympic and Paralympic athletes at Buckingham Palace and the annual opening of the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey.

The Queen will miss the Remembrance Day service at the Cenotaph on Sunday, Buckingham Palace has confirmed (Picture: REX)

This year’s Remembrance Day holds personal resonance for the royal family. The Prince of Wales recently shared that 2024 has been an emotionally challenging year, describing it as “brutal” and “probably the hardest year” of his life. Both his wife, the Princess of Wales, and King Charles have faced significant health struggles, with both having been diagnosed with cancer in recent months.

Princess Anne arriving at the event (Picture: AFP)

In September, Kate announced the conclusion of her chemotherapy treatment in a video statement, sharing her hope of resuming more public duties soon while also prioritising her health. “My focus now is on staying cancer-free and slowly resuming some engagements,” she said at the time.

Camilla was diagnosed with a chest infection last week (Picture: Shutterstock)

In line with tradition, on Sunday, she will observe the Remembrance ceremony from a balcony at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office overlooking Whitehall. There, she will join in the two-minute silence and watch veterans march past.

The Princess of Wales is beaming as she appears at the Royal Albert Hall for the Festival of Remembrance for her first high-profile appearance in months after cancer treatment.

As the royal family continues to confront personal health challenges, the dedication of the Prince and Princess at Saturday’s service reflects their ongoing commitment to honouring military service and sacrifice.