Kate’s heartfelt tribute to fallen at Armistice Day service

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The Princess of Wales wrote a touching tribute to the war dead as she paid her respects at a moving Armistice Day service.

Kate, 43, laid a wreath at the Armed Forces Memorial as she attended the Royal British Legion Service of Remembrance at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.

Handwritten on a note and attached to a wreath was her message: “In memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice, we will remember them. Catherine.”

The wreath-laying followed a two minute silence as the nation stopped to remember the fallen.

The service also featured the reading of a specially commissioned poem by the arboretum’s poet in residence, Arji Manuelpillai.

“A Sonnet For Us All captures the stories etched into the hundreds of memorials within the National Memorial Arboretum, it invites people to listen, reflect and consider the emotion that was the inspiration for these sculptures,” Mr Manuelpillai said.

“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.”

The Princess of Wales (Joe Giddens/PA Wire)

On the conclusion of the service, Kate viewed newly dedicated names on the Armed Forces Memorial before meeting veterans in attendance at the service.

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Queen Camilla was at London Paddington train station as part of the Great Western Railway ‘Poppies to Paddington’ event to mark Armistice Day.

Later on Tuesday, William will join the King and Queen at Windsor Castle where a reception will honour veterans who served in the Pacific during the Second World War.

The event, which the Duke of Edinburgh and the Duchess of Gloucester will also attend, continues the commemorations for the 80th anniversary of VJ Day.

Meanwhile The Prince of Wales told young people about the importance of wearing a red poppy and that “remembrance is for everyone” in a video message to mark Armistice Day.

Queen Camilla at Paddington station (Ben Birchall/PA Wire)

William’s message to children across the UK was played at the Royal British Legion’s Remembrance Assembly on Tuesday morning.

The virtual event brings together children aged 9-14 in schools, libraries, home education and other learning settings across the UK.

In his message, the prince says: “Armistice Day is an important time for us to stop and reflect – it is a reminder that remembrance is for everyone.

“When we remember, we connect with service in a personal way.

“We learn from the courage of others, and we carry their stories forward, so they are not forgotten.

Kate during the service of remembrance (REUTERS)

“It’s not just about the past – it’s about shaping who we become in the future.

“Remembrance teaches us empathy, resilience and responsibility.

“And when we wear a red poppy or take a moment of silence, we are saying, ‘Thank you. We have not forgotten, and we will not forget’.”

William will encourage young people to remember veterans and serving members of the armed forces alike, saying: “Through my own military experience, as well as through my work in connection with units across the Royal Navy, the Army and the Royal Air Force, I have seen first-hand the hard work, dedication and duty the armed forces carry out to ensure we are protected.

“Coming together for remembrance is a vital way to honour those whose service keeps us safe.

“Even today, as we continue to face a number of conflicts across the world, we honour those who have gone before us, and those who are serving now.

“Their memories matter, their lives matter, and they remind us to be respectful, kind, brave and thoughtful every day.”

Prince Louis, 7, Is Kate Middleton’s Mini-Me at Christmas Carol Service: See Their Heart-Melting Moment

A friend previously told PEOPLE that Princess Kate jokes about how Prince Louis is “the only one of her kids who actually looks like her”

Aaron Chown – Pool/Getty

Prince Louis and Kate Middleton at the Together at Christmas Carol Service at Westminster Abbey in London on Dec. 5, 2025
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Kate Middleton and Prince Louis, 7, shared a knowing look at her “Together at Christmas” Carol Service

It has long been thought the Prince Louis looks much like his mom Princess Kate and grandfather Michael Middleton

“Everyone always comments on how Louis is the spitting image of Kate,” a friend previously told PEOPLE

Kate Middleton and her lookalike son Prince Louis shared a sweet glance at her “Together at Christmas” carol service.

On Dec. 5, Princess Kate and Prince William attended her fifth Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey with their children, Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7, where cameras captured an adorable moment between the Princess of Wales and her youngest son.

At one point during the service, Princess Kate, 43, and Prince Louis shared a smile and look of love, a clear sign of the bond between them.

The festive event was George, Charlotte and Louis’ first joint outing in six months following Trooping the Colour in June, and Prince Louis’ latest appearance showed that he looks much like his mom.

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Prince Louis and Kate Middleton at the Together at Christmas Carol Service on Dec. 5, 2025.

It has long been said that Prince Louis bears a strong resemblance to Princess Kate. A look at her childhood photos highlights how Louis is her mini-me — and Kate agrees with the comparison!

“Everyone always comments on how Louis is the spitting image of Kate,” a friend previously told PEOPLE.

“She loves it and thinks it’s very sweet — she often jokes that he’s the only one of her kids who actually looks like her!” they added.

Aaron Chown/Pool Photo via AP; SplashNews.com

(Left) Prince Louis on Dec. 5, 2025; (Right) Kate Middleton at St Andrew’s Prep School in Berkshire.

It is also thought that Prince Louis looks like Princess Kate’s father, Michael Middleton.

Michael, 76, attended the “Together at Christmas” carol service with his wife, Carole Middleton, supporting their daughter’s special event as they have for the last five years.

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Michael Middleton and Carole Middleton at the Together at Christmas Carol Service on Dec. 5, 2025.

The Princess of Wales is especially close to her parents, and her children are growing up close to their Middleton grandparents.

Carole and Michael were featured in the September 2024 video that Kate issued to share that she completed chemotherapy treatment after announcing a cancer diagnosis, joining Kate, William and the kids in a competitive card game.

The Middletons live near their daughter and her family, and the couple is a constant presence in their grandchildren’s lives, often hosting them for sleepovers.

“Her parents are an enduring factor in the upbringing of their grandchildren,” a palace insider previously told PEOPLE.

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