The Queen to night missed a special Festival of Remembrance to mark the centenary of the Royal British Legion – but senior members of the Royal Family were out in force to represent her.
Prince William and Kate, Prince Charles and Camilla, Princess Anne and Sir Tim Laurence, and Prince Edward and Sophie all attended London’s Royal Albert Hall for the televised celebrations.
But the Queen, 95, who has been resting on medical advice, is expected to be at today’s Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph.
As Commander-in-Chief of the British Armed Forces, it is very important to her. She has only missed it six times in nearly 70 years.
Earlier this month, Buckingham Palace released a statement saying that it was Her Majesty’s “firm intention” to be present.
Last night’s event, which was also attended by the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, and the Duke of Kent and Princess Alexandra, was presented by Huw Edwards.
Artists including Alfie Boe, Cynthia Erivo, Gregory Porter and Alexandra Burke all paid tribute to the centenary year.
And internet sensation Tomos Roberts, aka Tomfoolery, performed his specially commissioned poem to commemorate 100 years of the poppy.
On behalf of the Queen, Prince Charles will today lay a wreath on the top step of the Cenotaph as the monarch watches from the balcony of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office building.
Charles first carried out the duty on behalf of his mother in 2017.
The Queen has missed several major events since being ordered to rest by royal doctors just over three weeks ago.
Last month, she spent a night in hospital to undergo preliminary tests.
On Thursday, Charles – who is 73 today – reassured a bystander about the Queen’s health as he met locals in Brixton, South London. One man asked him: “Prince Charles, how is your mother?”
He responded with an encouraging pat on his arm, and appeared to say: “She’s all right, thank you.”
