I should have written a standard Covid opener somewhere back in March, “The event was different this year due to the pandemic restrictions….”. I didn’t but, you get the drift. This year’s remembrance events in Britain were quieter, more sparsely attended and distanced due to Covid 19 restrictions. Tradition carries on, however, so let’s take a look at the moving ceremonies that were in place.
The Queen marked the 100th anniversary of the burial of the unknown warrior at Westminster Abbey earlier this week. It was a quiet, somber ceremony, conducted only with Her Majesty, her Equerry, Lieutenant Colonel Nana Kofi Twumasi-Ankrah, and the Dean of Westminster Abbey David Hoyle present. Oh, and the Jardine Star, which LiL calls, “The best brooch to ever brooch.”
On Sunday, members of the royal family attended the annual commemoration of Armistice Day, honoring the anniversary of the end of the First World War and the servicemen and women who have fallen in the line of duty since WWI. Prince Charles, Prince William, Princess Anne, and Prince Edward laid wreaths at the Cenotaph, for themselves and the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh.
The balcony was appropriately socially distanced, with Her Majesty at the center. The Queen was wearing the Dorset Bow Brooch, which was a gift to her grandmother on her wedding. Five poppies were affixed to the brooch.
The Duchesses of Cambridge and Cornwall were also in attendance. Camilla was wearing her Rifles regimental badge to affix her poppies, and Catherine wore a custom McQueen coat and the diamond and pearl drop earrings on loan from the Queen.
The Countess of Wessex and Tim Laurence occupied the other balcony. Sophie was wearing a coat with cape sleeves and a regimental badge, in addition to her enamel poppy pin.
In the end it’s not about the clothes, but about remembrance. They shall never forget, and we won’t either.