Overview
- Kate attended the Royal British Legion service at the National Memorial Arboretum for the first time, observed the two‑minute silence, and laid a wreath bearing a handwritten message reading, “In memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice, we will remember them. Catherine.”
- She knelt to speak with World War II veterans, including 100‑year‑old Bill Redston whose hand she held, and chatted with former pilot Geoffrey Spencer about Prince George’s enthusiasm for aircraft.
- After meeting veterans and families, she made an unplanned stop to greet members of the public waiting outside, describing the Arboretum as a special and emotional place and offering a brief health reassurance by saying she was well.
- The BBC faced criticism for repeatedly referring to her as “Kate Middleton” during the live broadcast from the Arboretum, drawing complaints from viewers and a rebuke from DUP MP Jim Shannon.
- In related Remembrance activity, Prince William said in a Brazilian TV interview that the couple chose to be honest with their children about her illness, and the Waleses updated their social profiles with poppy imagery to mark the commemorations.