Touching second emotional Kate and William lead applause for the households of fallen troopers as Princess of Wales makes first public look since finishing chemo at Festival of Remembrance

The Prince and Princess of Wales led the applause as the crowd touchingly honoured the families of fallen soldiers at the Festival of Remembrance tonight. 

The Royal couple appeared solemn as the applause erupted at the Royal Albert Hall in tribute to the servicemen and women who sacrificed their lives for Britain. 

The lavish venue eagerly clapped as military personnel laid roses to honour those who had passed in Afghanistan, with Ben O’Donnell the son of late warrant officer Gary O’Donnell placing the final flower. 

Tonight is the Princess of Wales’ first high profile appearance since being diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer, in a year described by William as the ‘hardest’ of his life, where he remarked how proud he was of his father and wife for their bravery. 

There was not a dry eye in the house, as the crowd – including the Royals stood in silence with tear-filled eyes in a moment of silence who had sacrificed everything for King and Country. 

Kate was radiant as she cut a sleek figure in a black dress walking alongside Prince William into the lavish Kensington venue to celebrate Britain’s servicemen and women this evening. 

Kate donned one Poppy this year, despite being renowned for pinning three to herself in previous years for the Remembrance weekend events. 

His Majesty, who became Patron of the Royal British Legion earlier this year, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, as well as Princess Anne were in attendance at tonight’s proceedings. 

The Duke of Kent, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucestershire and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence were seated in the Royal Box tonight, as those who put their lives on the line for King and Country are celebrated.

The Prince and Princess of Wales were seen chatting to one another as they took their seats at the Royal British Legion’s Festival of Remembrance.

The King received applause as he sat down at the event which honours sacrifices made by the British and Commonwealth armed forces community and includes musical performances and personal testimonies.

The Royal family also stood to applaud World War II veterans who gave their lives for Britain.

The Princess of Wales, whose chic hair swept effortlessly to the side, spoke to the Prince William after joining in applause, as the Royals proceeded to join in the singing of a hymn.

The King as well as the Prince and Princess of Wales all stood to join the rendition of Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer at the Royal British Legion event.

The Royal emblem was laid over the rail in front of the royal box at the concert hall in South Kensington, London.

King Charles III and the Princess Royal beamed with pride as the Chelsea Pensioners marched centre stage, with Prince William and Princess Kate clapping along with the crowd. 

After the military personnel marched in unison, an upbeat King Charles stood and waved to the cheering crowd.

Hosted by Adrian Lester, several British music icons took to the stage to honour the servicemen and women, including Sir Tom Jones, Alexandra Burke, Jack Savoretti and many more. 

However the Queen was noticeably absent from both tonight’s event as well as the Remembrance Day service at the Cenotaph tomorrow after becoming unwell with a ‘seasonal chest infection’.

A Palace spokesperson confirmed earlier today: ‘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 events.

‘While this is a source of great disappointment to The Queen, she will mark the occasion privately at home and hopes to return to public duties early next week.’

It is understood there is no cause for alarm, and no downturn in her condition. The Queen is said to be mindful of minimising the risk of passing any last lingering infection to others.

Princess Catherine who is recovering from cancer and King Charles, who is still having ongoing treatment for cancer, are both attending this weekend’s Remembrance events

In a video Kate released in September, she revealed she had finished her chemotherapy treatment, and spoke of how she was ‘looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months’.

But she added her focus was ‘doing what I can to stay cancer free’.

William said on Wednesday during his trip to Cape Town that his wife was ‘doing really well’ and has been ‘amazing this whole year’.

The Princess, 42, has made just a handful of public appearances so far in 2024, after she underwent major abdominal surgery in January and then was diagnosed with cancer.

Her last engagement was a month ago, when she made a surprise trip to meet families whose children were killed in the Southport attack and speak to emergency workers who helped at the scene after the devastating knife attack.

In her heartfelt video in September, Kate opened up about her cancer journey, as the Wales family were shown enjoying time together outdoors.

The princess said she was entering ‘this new phase of recovery with a renewed sense of hope and appreciation of life’.

‘The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family,’ she said.

She added: ‘Although I have finished chemotherapy, my path to healing and full recovery is long.’

At the start of October, the princess was pictured hugging an aspiring teenage photographer with a rare and aggressive form of cancer after inviting her to take pictures at investitures at Windsor Castle.

Kate met Liz Hatton, 16, from Harrogate, and her family privately after the ceremony with William.

In June, Kate looked relaxed during her first day in the spotlight following her diagnosis when she appeared at the traditional Trooping the Colour ceremony.

She took part in the carriage procession and joined William and their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis and other royals on the Palace balcony.

It came the day after a health update from Kate, who was pictured in the grounds of the Windsor Castle estate, standing in a tranquil setting against a weeping willow tree near a lake.

She issued a written message saying she was ‘making good progress’ and had ‘good days and bad days’, but added: ‘I am not out of the woods yet.’

A few weeks later she made another rare appearance when she presented the Wimbledon men’s final trophy to Carlos Alcaraz.

The princess, patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, was accompanied by Charlotte and chatted to ball boys and girls, and entered Centre Court to loud applause.

She has also met aides to discuss staging her annual Christmas carol service in December, and held meetings on her early years work.

Also attending the Festival of Remembrance and the Cenotaph service were the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, the Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, and the Duke of Kent.

Buckingham Palace announced on Tuesday that the Queen, who has just completed a mammoth tour of Australia and Samoa with King Charles, was cancelling her forthcoming engagements due to a chest infection.

A Buckingham Palace spokesman said at the time: ‘Her Majesty The Queen is currently unwell with a chest infection, for which her doctors have advised a short period of rest.

‘With great regret, Her Majesty has therefore had to withdraw from her engagements for this week but she very much hopes to be recovered in time to attend this weekend’s Remembrance events as normal.

‘She apologises to all those who may be inconvenienced or disappointed as a result.’

The 77-year-old royal is understood to be recovering at home in Wiltshire and is being monitored by doctors.

Camilla’s condition meant that she had to reluctantly withdraw from the annual opening of the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey on Thursday; with the Duchess of Gloucester, 78, standing in for her.

The Queen also had to cancel an appearance at a reception at Buckingham Palace honouring the nation’s Olympic and Paralympic stars the very same day.

Camilla is anticipated to return to work as soon as next week and is set to host a reception for authors shortlisted for this year’s Booker Prize at Clarence House.

She is also expected to attend the glitzy global premiere of Gladiator II at the Royal Film Performance in London’s Leicester Square next Wednesday evening.

Buckingham Palace announced the King and Camilla will meet the stars of the blockbuster, Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington, Connie Nielsen and Pedro Pascal, and director Sir Ridley Scott.

The reception marks the centenary of the Film and TV Charity, of which Charles is patron. The events are taking place on the eve of the King’s birthday, with Charles turning 76 next Thursday.

Tomorrow the King alongside other members of the Royal family will attend the annual Remembrance Service at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, which is the nation’s chief war memorial dedicated to those who died in World War I and II.

His Majesty is expected to lay a wreath designed to pay homage to his grandfather King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II.

The wreath of poppies will be placed on a bed of black leaves, bearing the monarch’s racing colours of scarlet, purple and gold – as is traditional for a Sovereign. 

Queen Camilla’s wreath, which also bears her racing colours inherited from her grandfather and inspired by the Queen Mother, will be placed on her behalf by an Equerry from the Royal Household. Both wreathes were made by the Poppy Factory.

Prince William will lay the wreath previously placed by King Charles III, featuring the Prince of Wales feathers and a new ribbon in Welsh red.