Kate Middleton marked Veterans Day with a heartfelt visit to the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, where she spent time with World War II veterans and their families. The Princess of Wales, who holds several honorary military titles, engaged warmly with the men and women who served, listening to their stories and sharing a few from her own family life.
One memorable moment came during her conversation with 100-year-old veteran Bill Redston. In a video shared by PA reporter Stephanie Wareham, Redston proudly told the princess he credits fitness for his longevity. He recalled running the London Marathon at age 65 and the New York Marathon the following year. Kate smiled as he spoke, appearing delighted by his energy and spirit.
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The princess also met with the family of Squadron Leader Mark Long, who died in a Spitfire crash last year. She expressed her condolences and listened as relatives shared memories of his dedication and passion for aviation. During another exchange with D-Day veteran Geoffrey Spencer, who served in the RAF bomber command, Kate revealed a charming detail about her eldest son.
She said Prince George enjoys building models of Lancaster Bombers like the ones Spencer once flew and joked that the 12-year-old “knows more about aircraft than I do.” Across the Atlantic, Meghan Markle paid tribute to veterans with a personal post on social media.
She shared a clip of Prince Harry during his 2013 deployment in Afghanistan, leaping from an interview when he noticed fellow soldiers responding to what appeared to be an emergency. Meghan wrote, “As my husband says, ‘Once served. Always serving.’” She added her thanks “to all who served, sacrificed, and continue to serve,” along with a recent photo of Harry speaking with an older veteran.
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Harry remains closely connected to military service through his work with the Invictus Games and other veteran-focused organizations. Prince William also commemorated the day by sharing a video of himself and King Charles meeting WWII veterans at Windsor Castle.
Honoured to be at Windsor Castle this evening to mark 80 years since the end of the Second World War in the Far East with Their Majesties.
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) November 11, 2025
It was deeply moving to meet veterans from across the UK and Commonwealth who served in the Pacific and Indian Ocean territories – a… pic.twitter.com/RgVrBQG5jf
In a message on X, he reflected on marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in the Far East and described meeting veterans from across the Commonwealth as “deeply moving.” He praised their courage and sacrifice, adding, “Lest We Forget.”
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William, like his younger brother, served in the military and worked as an RAF search and rescue pilot, experiences that continue to shape his public service. The day’s tributes underscored the royal family’s continued connection to veterans and the generations who served.
The Princess of Wales held 100-year-old veteran Bill Redston’s hand as she asked him for his top tips for keeping well – he said staying fit, and Kate was impressed to learn he had completed the London Marathon at 65 and the New York marathon at 66 pic.twitter.com/9ncG4GEexp
— Stephanie Wareham (@StephWareham) November 11, 2025
