Yesterday afternoon, the wind-lashed expanse of the National Memorial Arboretum played host to a significant chapter in the modern history of the Windsors, as Kate Middleton—Catherine, Princess of Wales—arrived to represent the royals at the annual Service of Remembrance. Not only was it Catherine’s debut at the event—and a rare appearance by a non-blood royal in that role—but also an occasion she personally helped shape, having commissioned the poet Arji Manuelpillai to write a tribute for the proceedings.
Titled, A Sonnet For Us All, Manuelpillai wrote the piece to “shine a light on the bonds and relationships that lay often hidden by conflict. Those quiet acts of care, the friendships that endure, and the sense of duty that binds one generation to the next,” he said, adding, “these human connections, and the gentle responsibility to carry love forward, are themes that resonate not only with me, but also with HRH The Princess of Wales, for whom the importance of service and compassion lies especially close to the heart.”
Returning to the Catherine Walker coat dress she previously wore for Remembrance Sunday in 2019 and 2023—its frogging not unlike those seen on the spring 2026 runways—the Princess joined attendees in a two-minute silence before reflecting on Manuelpillai’s words and the newly dedicated names etched into the memorial. She laid an elaborate wreath bearing a handwritten note that read: “In memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice, we will remember them,” before spending time with veterPrince Georgeans and their families, sharing sweet insights of her own, among them that Prince George is a fan of World War II model aeroplanes.
Her eldest son was perhaps on her mind, since the earrings she chose for the appearance—two drop rubies haloed in diamonds by G Collins Sons—were not without symbolism. Rubies, the birthstone of July, are thought to have been a subtle nod to George. A relatively new addition to the Kate Middleton jewelry box, these particular pieces have made only two prior outings: first, for the 80th anniversary of VE Day back in May, and again to greet the Trumps on their official state visit to the UK in September.
It was the future King, after all, who accompanied the Princess to that same VE Day celebratory tea party at Buckingham Palace—just one of the engagements the 12-year-old has attended while the same age his father was when he began attending such events. This past weekend, for example, marked the young prince’s first appearance at the Royal British Legion’s Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall, while Prince William was traveling back from the Earthshot Prize Awards and COP30 summit in Brazil. Though there is speculation about whether George will follow in his father’s footsteps and enrol at Eton this September, it’s clear his public-facing duties will increase as the palace prepares him to grow into his role as heir to the throne.