Harry and Meghan visit the Westminster Abbey ‘Field of Remembrance’
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex honoured Britain’s war dead today during a poignant ceremony at the Field of Remembrance outside Westminster Abbey at which Meghan was making her first appearance.
Prince Harry, wearing his Household Division ceremonial uniform, and Meghan planted tiny crosses to pay their respects to servicemen and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in conflicts across the decades.
The couple bowed their heads after placing a cross on a larger version made of poppies, as they looked out at a sea of crosses erected by military units and other groups associated with the First World War and other conflicts.
Meghan cut a demure figure in a Sentaler navy coat and a pair of £620 knee-length heeled boots by Tamara Mellon. She also wore a slim belt over a black dress and a navy Philip Treacy hat, with an elegant veil detail.
Harry and Meghan also visited the plots for regimental and other associations, meeting veterans from all areas of the Armed Forces, including 20 D-Day veterans, and stood still as the Last Post was played by a bugler.
Meghan crouched down to chat to Elizabeth Herschel, 96, who proudly wore the Second World War medals of her husband Stanley, a former Royal Engineer, and her own medals from her time with the Auxiliary Territorial Service.
Mrs Herschel, from Newcastle, spoke to Prince Harry and offered him some advice after his recent public issues, saying: ‘I told him you can’t pick your family, but you can pick your friends, and he said ‘I will remember that’.’
The couple arrived two minutes late for the event after their convoy apparently went to the wrong entrance – and the Duchess of Cornwall was forced to miss the engagement through illness, but Surgeon Rear Admiral Lionel Jarvis, president of the Poppy Factory, placed a poppy on her behalf.
He also invited Harry and Meghan to lay their own crosses of remembrance in front of two wooden crosses from the Graves of Unknown British soldiers from the First and Second World Wars.
Meanwhile, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge met survivors of terrorist attacks and the Grenfell Tower fire today as they visited personnel from across the emergency services at St Martin-in-the-Fields church in London.
Meghan crouches down today in London to chat to 96-year-old Elizabeth Herschel who proudly wore the Second World War medals of her husband, a former Royal Engineer, and her own medals from her time with the Auxiliary Territorial Service
Meghan plants a cross and Harry salutes outside Westminster Abbey at the Field of Remembrance in London today
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex pay their respects as they visit the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey today
Harry and Meghan paid their respects in London today to servicemen and women who made the ultimate sacrifice
The couple visited Westminster Abbey to remember those who have made ultimate sacrifice in conflicts across the decades
The Duchess of Cornwall pulled out of the event due to ill health, so it was just Harry and Meghan who attended today
Meghan places a small cross during a visit to the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey this morning
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex honour the nation’s war dead during a poignant ceremony at Westminster Abbey today
Meghan plans a small wooden cross on a large cross made up of poppies at Westminster Abbey today
Meghan smiles as she leaves following a visit to the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey this morning
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The Duchess of Sussex smiles during a visit to the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey in London today
William and Kate attended the launch of new charity the National Emergencies Trust, with Kate wearing what appeared to be a £29.99 Women of the First World War poppy brooch. She wore the same design during the poppy campaign last year as well.
William and Kate are to create a new Royal award with launch Meghan Markle dons £620 Tamara Mellon boots and a Sentaler Prince William says financial help for Grenfell Tower Perfectly in tune! Meghan Markle shuffles closer to Prince Archie is CRAWLING and has two teeth! Proud Harry and Meghan EXCLUSIVE: Meghan Markle’s ailing uncle says he’s given up
The Duchess of Sussex has also been involved with projects to help the victims of Grenfell, including a cookbook which she launched after a visit to a kitchen in North Kensington, West London.
‘You can’t pick your family, but you can pick your friends’: What WWII veteran, 96, told Harry
As the Sussexes toured the plots Meghan crouched down to chat to 96-year-old Elizabeth Herschel who was sat in a wheelchair and proudly wore the Second World War medals of her husband Stanley, a former Royal Engineer, and her own medals from her time with the Auxiliary Territorial Service during the same conflict.
The Duchess of Sussex speaks today to 96-year-old Elizabeth Herschel who was sat in a wheelchair at Westminster Abbey
Mrs Herschel said she joked with Harry, whom she met at the same event in 2018: ‘I told him last year he would have a boy then a girl and I’m right so far.’
She also offered him some advice after his recent public issues with the press and admission he has ‘good days’ and ‘bad days’ with his brother the Duke of Cambridge.
The 96-year-old, from Gosforth near Newcastle, said: ‘I told him you can’t pick your family, but you can pick your friends, and he said ‘I will remember that’.’
She joined the ATS in 1940 and trained at Low Gosforth House in Harrogate before being posted to Wellington Barracks at Birdcage Walk in London.
Mrs Herschel was then at the Victoria Barracks in Windsor before being demobbed in 1945.
They were also due to have been joined by his stepmother, the Duchess of Cornwall, who is patron of The Poppy Factory in South West London where remembrance poppies are made.
But Camilla had to reluctantly pull out of the engagement on the orders of her doctor after going down with a chest infection which has got progressively worse over the last few days.
Harry has represented the Royal Family at the annual event since 2013, but today was the first time that his wife has joined him.
It comes as the Sussexes also d details this morning about life with baby son Archie as he turns six months old – telling a group of military families during a visit yesterday that he is beginning to crawl and has two teeth.
Today, Harry wore his Household Division ceremonial uniform of a black frock. Frock coats are a form of undress, which is one formality level below full dress, and can be worn by certain officers of the Household Division.
The coats, worn at formal occasions by those not on parade in command of troops, are single-breasted and dark blue with black braiding and loops. Harry’s peaked black and red cap featured the Blues and Royals badge.
This contains the letters ER – Elizabeth Regina – and the maxim ‘Honi soit qui mal y pense’, which means ‘may he be shamed who thinks badly of it’.
The couple arrived two minutes late for the event after their convoy apparently went to the wrong entrance, but made up for lost time by spending 15 minutes more than scheduled shaking the hands of servicemen and women, including 20 dignified survivors of the D-Day campaign of 1945.
The couple were greeted by the Venerable David Stanton, acting dean of Westminster Abbey, before being led to a large cross made of poppies where they stood for prayers.
Harry was wearing a Household Cavalry frock coat while Meghan was elegant in her navy blue belted coat.
The Duchess of Cambridge arrives for the National Emergencies Trust launch at St Martin-in-the-Fields in London today
Kate seemed particularly taken by a dog trained to help people in emergencies during the visit in London
The Duchess attends the launch of the new charity today which will provide an emergency response to disasters in the UK
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attend the launch of the National Emergencies Trust at St Martin-in-the-Fields today
Kate begins her day at the launch of the National Emergencies Trust at St Martin-in-the-Fields church in London this morning
Kate will meet Grenfell Tower and terror attack victims today as she visits personnel from across the emergency services
The Duchess listened intently as her husband William greeted those at the charity launch event today before giving a speech
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attend the launch of the National Emergencies Trust at St Martin-in-the-Fields today
William and Kate arrive for the launch of the National Emergencies Trust at St Martin-in-the-Fields in Trafalgar Square today
Prince William puts his hand on Kate’s back as the Cambridges arrive to attend the launch of the National Emergencies Trust
Surgeon Rear Admiral Lionel Jarvis, president of the Poppy Factory, who organise the annual event, then invited them to lay their own crosses of remembrance in front of two wooden crosses from the Graves of Unknown British soldiers from the First and Second World Wars.
Harry was first, walking solemnly up to the poppy-covered tribute and slotting his small cross in before saluting, followed by Meghan who did the same. As the duchess walked backwards to her place in the line-up she stopped and bowed her head in respect for moment or two.
The couple then stood, Harry again saluting, as the Last Post was played from the parapet of St Margaret’s Church by a bandsman from the Scots Guards.
Rear Admiral Jarvis read the ‘Exhortation to Remembrance‘ followed by a two-minute silence and Reveille. The couple then set about meeting as many servicemen and women and their families as they could.
Among the first group they met was Brenda Rendell, whose late husband, Richard, was a ‘boy seaman’ in 1949 and later went on to work as an engineer on the Royal Yacht Britannia.
The Duchess of Sussex meets a veteran as she visits the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey in London today
: Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex is looked at by Watchman VI the mascot dog as he attends the Field of Remembrance today
The Duchess of Sussex smiles and waves as she attends the opening of the Field of Remembrance in London today
The Duchess of Sussex meets veterans and soldiers as she attends the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey today
The Duke of Sussex shakes hands with a youngster as he attends the 91st Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey today
Prince Harry poses for a photograph with a young girl as he attends the 91st Field of Remembrance today
Meghan smiles during the Opening of the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey in London today
Harry has represented the royal family at the annual event since 2013, but today is the first time that has wife has joined him
The site is now covered with around 70,000 symbols in more than 360 plots for regimental and other associations
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex during a visit to the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey in London today
The Duchess of Sussex arrives to attend the 91st Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey in central London today
The Duchess of Sussex is greeted as she arrives to attend the Field of Remembrance service at Westminster Abbey today
The Duke and Duchess are surrounded by elderly soldiers, recent veterans and others associated with the armed forces
As the chimes of Big Ben rang out at 11am, a two-minute silence was observed by all those present outside the Abbey today
The Duchess of Sussex cut a demure figure this morning in a navy textured coat, nipped in at the waist with a slim black belt=
Harry, a former Army officer, wore a military frock coat and peaked cap, while Meghan was dressed in a winter coat and hat
The Duchess of Sussex made her first visit to Westminster Abbey’s Field of Remembrance with her husband today
Meghan wore a Sentaler navy coat from their Fall 2015 collection and £620 knee-length heeled boots by Tamara Mellon
The couple were due to have been joined by the Duchess of Cornwall today, but she could not make it due to illness
The Field of Remembrance has been organised by the Poppy Factory and held in the grounds of the Abbey since 1928
There are now approximately 70,000 crosses produced by the factory team each year for the Field of Remembrance
In the run-up to Remembrance Sunday, royals are attending a series of events commemorating those who gave their lives
The couple also met veterans from all areas of the armed forces who have served in past campaigns and more recent conflicts
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex attend the 91st Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey in London today
Mrs Rendell, whose husband died of asbestos-related illness in 2011, told a delighted Harry how he had built the slide on the yacht that was so memorably played on by his father, Prince Charles, when he was a young boy.
‘I had so hoped to meet him to be able to tell him that story and Harry was so amazed,’ she said.
‘I wish my husband had been here to tell it himself but I was delighted to have the chance to do it. Harry just couldn’t believe it and said that he would definitely tell his father. ‘
Poorly Camilla pulls out of engagement with Harry and Meghan 
Camilla drinks a cup of tea in North West London yesterday
The Duchess of Cornwall has had to pull out of a remembrance service at Westminster Abbey today because of a chest infection.
Camilla was due to attend the event with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex but was told by her doctor to cancel her engagements owing to a chest infection which has got progressively worse over the last few days.
The Duchess is patron of the Poppy Factory in south-west London where remembrance poppies are made.
Royal sources say Camilla is ‘deeply disappointed’ not to be able to attend the Field of Remembrance service and is ‘determined to do everything she can to be well enough for the major events of the coming weekend.’
A Clarence House spokesman said: ‘The Duchess of Cornwall has been told by her doctor to cancel her engagements owing to a chest infection which has got progressively worse over the last few days.’
Last night, she had to pull out of attending a gala dinner at the London Library to mark the 200th anniversary of the birth of Prince Albert on medical advice.
Meghan also bent down to be on the same height as Mrs Rendell, who was sat in a wheelchair, as she was told the same story. ‘She said that it was so intriguing and promised that she would tell her father-in-law.’
Harry also chatted at length to D-Day veteran 99-year-old William Allen, who told him that he would be celebrating his 100th birthday on December 7. The prince told him: ‘Let me know where the party is and I’ll be there!’
Mr Allen, from Leyton, East London, served in the army from 1939 to 1946 – holding the prestigious post of Field Marshall Montgomery’s bodyguard – and still vividly remembers travelling with him across Europe and sitting on the steps of his caravan.
He said of Harry: ‘What a lovely man. Meeting him was one of the finest experiences of my life.’
He also got a hug and a kiss from Meghan, who left a small stain of make-up on his jacket shoulder. ‘I’m never washing that!’ he chuckled.
From just two crosses, laid during the first event at the Abbey in November 1928, the Field of Remembrance is now covered with around 70,000 symbols in more than 360 plots for regimental and other associations.
The couple chatted to everyone from D-Day veterans to those who served in more recent conflicts and d a hug with Poppie Hutton, aged eight, from Armagh, Northern Ireland, who was with her grandparents at the plot for the Royal Irish Regiment.
Andrea McMahon, the military unit’s assistant regimental secretary, said: ‘We asked Meghan about motherhood and she said her son Archie was six months old and said the experience was wonderful and she was really enjoying it, and having a great time.
‘Poppie was hoping to get cuddles from them and we knew how much Harry loves children and when we explained that she wanted a hug they both came over and did it.’
Harry also chatted to his great-grand mother’s former driver Arthur Barty, who was representing a plot for his former unit The Black Watch.
Mr Barty, who had driven the Queen Mother for 27 years until her death in 2002, said: ‘I covered almost 100,000 miles with the Queen Mother. I never thought for a minute I would meet His Royal Highness or Her Royal Highness but it was an absolute pleasure to chat to them.’
During the poignant ceremony, the duke and duchess, surrounded by elderly soldiers, recent veterans and others associated with the armed forces, stood still as the Last Post was played by a bugler.
The Exhortation to Remembrance was spoken by Surgeon Rear Admiral Lionel Jarvis, president of the Poppy Factory, who said: ‘They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old. Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
Harry and Meghan also visited the plots for regimental and other groups, meeting veterans from all areas of the Armed Forces
The Duchess of Sussex attends her first Field of Remembrance service at Westminster Abbey this morning
Meghan was dressed in a stylish winter coat and hat as she visited the Field of Remembrance this morning
The Exhortation to Remembrance was spoken by Surgeon Rear Admiral Lionel Jarvis, president of the Poppy Factory
The couple were due to have been joined by the Duchess of Cornwall, who is patron of the Poppy Factory
Harry and Meghan pay their respects this morning to servicemen and women who made the ultimate sacrifice
The Duchess of Sussex goes up to lay a cross outside Westminster Abbey at the Field of Remembrance opening today
Meghan topped off her demure look outside Westminster Abbey today with a Philip Treacy hat, with an elegant veil detail
Meghan was surrounded by elderly soldiers, recent veterans and others associated with the armed forces at today’s event
‘At the going down of the sun and in the morning we will remember them.’
As the chimes of Big Ben rang out at 11am, a two-minute silence was observed by all those present. Harry, a former Army officer, wore a military frock coat and peaked cap, while Meghan was dressed in a stylish winter coat and hat.
The Duchess of Cornwall pulled out of the event due to ill health, having also missed an event in London last night.
A Clarence House spokesman said: ‘The Duchess of Cornwall has been told by her doctor to cancel her engagements owing to a chest infection which has got progressively worse over the last few days.’
Among the crowds were a group of men from Royal Marines 45 Commando based in Abroath, Scotland.
Major Sam Hughes, Officer commander of X Ray Company, said it was a proud moment for them to have been chosen to represent the Royal Marines at such a ‘hugely special event’.
‘It’s also a very special event for me personally as I have done two tours of Afghanistan and lost men out there. My grandfather lost an arm at Anzio.
‘In Italy, my great-grandfather was injured at the Somme and my great- great- grandfather was killed at the same battle.
‘Having the Duke as Captain general of the Royal Marines is a great honour. He’s of our peer group and has served on the frontline. He knows what modern theatre is like.
‘His grandfather the Duke of Edinburgh was very popular and I’m sure his grandson will do a a wonderful job. He’s a great ambassador.’
The Field of Remembrance is now covered with around 70,000 symbols in more than 360 plots
Harry and Meghan pay their respects to servicemen and women who made the ultimate sacrifice
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex honour the nation’s war dead during a poignant ceremony at Westminster Abbey today
The Duke of Sussex wears his Household Division ceremonial uniform at the Field of Remembrance this morning
The Duchess of Sussex arrives this morning for her first visit to Westminster Abbey’s ‘Field of Remembrance‘
The Duchess of Sussex attends the 91st Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey in London this morning
The Duchess of Sussex makes her first visit to Westminster Abbey’s ‘Field of Remembrance‘ this morning with Prince Harry
The couple also stopped to talk to Liz Longman, who was standing by the Monte Cassino Society poppies and lost her uncle, William, in the campaign.
She said: ‘Harry told me that he had been to Monte Cassino and wanted to go again. I asked the duchess how Archie was and she said he was lovely and doing really well.’
One of the most touchinmg moments of the visit came as Harry spotted Harrison Degiorgio-Lewis, nine, whom he saluted.
Harrison was proudly wearing the medals and cap of his uncle, Lt Aaron Lewis of 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery, who died in Afghanistan on December 15 2008 after his base was attacked by insurgents.
Harry – who s the same birthday as Harrison – has met the little boy before and it has even been speculated that Harrison may have been the inspiration for his own baby son Archie’s middle name.
He was with his grandparents Helen and Barry, Aaron’s parents, who said they were always touched at the interest Harry took in their grandson.
The couple have set up a foundation in his memory which helps military veterans and say while they mourn his loss every day, they are so glad to be able to help others in his memory.
After their meeting Harrison, from Eastford, Essex, who wants to go into the army like his uncle, said: ‘I am wearing my uncle’s medals and cap. I never met him, although my sister was two when he was born. Prince Harry always talks to me and said he liked my name. I’ve been told he may have named his baby after me.’
His grandmother interjected: ‘Well we aren’t sure, and they are obviously too discreet to say as they clearly wouldn’t want to offend anyone. But they are certainly very lovely to Harrison. It would be very nice if true.’
Meghan also appeared entranced by little Florence Berry, two, from Uckfield, East Sussex, who looked pretty as a picture in a red Princess coat and knitted poppy with another in her hair.
Her grandmother, Rachel Berry, whose father, David Collett, 73, is Secretary of the Sussex and Surrey Yeomanry, said afterwards: ‘Meghan asked if she was cold and told me how beautiful she was. She seemed very taken with Florence.’
Ms Berry added: ‘We come here every year and it’s just wonderful to bring the family, I was very young when I first came here. We told Florence yesterday that Harry and Meghan would be here and on the way she was saying their names so I’m sure she will remember this day.
‘The couple held her hands and they both said how cold they were and Meghan said she was very pretty.’
The Duchess of Sussex arrives to visit the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey in London this morning
The couple stood still as the Last Post was played by a bugler during their visit to the Field of Remembrance today
Crosses placed by Britain’s Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and on behalf of Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, are seen at the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey in London today
Ex-service men and women, as well as members of the public, can plant a cross carrying a personal message in memory of those who have lost their lives in the service of others.
How Westminster Abbey has hosted a poignant Field of Remembrance for nearly a century
The first Field of Remembrance was held in Westminster Abbey’s grounds in November 1928, making 2018 the 89th year.
In the first year only two crosses were planted, but it began a tradition that took root and has grown over the decades.
Each Remembrance tribute carries a personal message to someone who lost his or her life in the service of the country.
Ex-servicemen or members of the public plant the crosses in memory of their fallen comrades and loved ones.
Poppies were first suggested as a symbol of Remembrance in 1918 and were adopted by the American Legion in 1920.
In 1921 the British Legion adopted the idea too and the first Poppy Appeal was born.
The other Fields are located in Lydiard Park in Wiltshire, Cardiff, Belfast, Gateshead, Edinburgh and Inverness.
The Field is opened every Thursday before Remembrance Sunday and stays open for a further ten days. Each of the three royals laid a Cross of Remembrance today before the ‘Last Post’ was sounded.
This was followed by the ‘Exhortation to Remembrance‘, the chimes of Big Ben and a two-minute silence and reveille.
Harry and Meghan then visited the plots for regimental and other associations, meeting veterans from all areas of the Armed Forces, including 20 D-Day veterans.
The engagement will be among a number conducted by the Royal Family as they lead the country’s annual remembrance events.
The Queen, who is patron of the Royal British Legion, yesterday visited the Royal British Legion Industries’ Village in Aylesford, which provides accommodation and welfare support to veterans and the wider Armed Forces community.
On Saturday the monarch and all the senior royals – including Charles, Camilla, William, Kate, Harry and Meghan – are due to attend the annual Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall.
This will be their first joint public appearance since Harry and Meghan’s bombshell documentary in which she talked about her struggle to adapt to life as a royal.
The Duke of York, the Earl and Countess of Wessex, the Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and the Duke of Kent will also be present.
2018: The Duke of Sussex salutes after laying a Cross of Remembrance in front of wooden crosses at the site last November
2017: Harry at Westminster Abbey’s Field of Remembrance two years ago to honour the fallen ahead of Armistice Day
2016: Prince Harry lays a wooden cross at Westminster Abbey’s Field of Remembrance to remember the fallen three years ago
2015: Prince Harry pays his respects at Westminster Abbey’s Field of Remembrance in London three years ago
2014: Prince Harry salutes in front of a cross of remembrance as he openes the 86th Field of Remembrance five years ago
2013: Prince Harry meets servicemen and women at the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey six years ago
On Remembrance Sunday the Queen will, for the third year running, watch the annual Remembrance Day Service at The Cenotaph from the balcony of the Foreign Commonwealth Office building, after aides finally admitted the ceremony had become too arduous for the 93-year-old sovereign.
Instead a wreath will be laid on her behalf by the Prince of Wales. An equerry will also lay a wreath for the Duke of Edinburgh, 98, who has retired from public life.
The Service at the Cenotaph will be attended by all other senior members of the royal family, and following the service Prince Andrew will take the salute at a march past of veteran organisations on Horse Guards Parade.
On Monday the Duke of Kent will also attend The National Memorial Arboretum Armistice Day Service in Staffordshire.
The Field will remain open until November 17 with proce going to the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal.
Prince William and Kate Middleton meet victims and emergency service heroes from Grenfell blaze and terror attacks as they launch national crisis response trust
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will meet Grenfell Tower and terror attack victims today as they visit personnel from across the emergency services.
William and Kate began their day at the launch of the National Emergencies Trust at St Martin-in-the-Fields church in Central London.
The new independent charity will provide an emergency response to disasters in the UK, and has been set up after several terror attacks since 2017.
Kate was believed to be wearing a Women of the First World War poppy brooch worth £29.99 for at least the second year in a row.
The Duchess of Cambridge arrives for the National Emergencies Trust launch at St Martin-in-the-Fields in London today
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attend the launch of the National Emergencies Trust at St Martin-in-the-Fields today
Kate begins her day at the launch of the National Emergencies Trust at St Martin-in-the-Fields church in London this morning
Kate will meet Grenfell Tower and terror attack victims today as she visits personnel from across the emergency services
The Duchess attends the launch of the new charity today which will provide an emergency response to disasters in the UK
Kate arrives this morning for the launch of the new charity which has been set up after several terror attacks since 2017
The Duke and Duchess arrive for the launch of the National Emergencies Trust at St Martin-in-the-Fields in London today
Kate opted against wearing a cold in the chilly London breeze today, choosing instead to show off her blue A-line dress
The Duchess of Cambridge accessorised her look with a black clutch and matching patent stilettos
The Duchess donned a royal blue fit and flare dress with a chic belted waist and paired it with patent Gianvito Rossi heels and an Aspinal clutch bag
The dress is a bespoke version of Emilia Wickstead’s appropriately named ‘Kate’ dress, which she’s worn in several different variations now
The Duchess of Sussex has also been involved with projects to help the victims of Grenfell, including a cookbook which she launched after a visit to a kitchen in North Kensington, West London.
They will meet victims of disasters, including Grenfell and the Westminster Bridge attack, and make a short speech marking the official inauguration of the charity.
Kate wore Princess Diana’s glittering earrings at the engagement, pairing the dazzling diamond and sapphire drops with a cobalt blue dress.
The earrings, which can be adapted and worn as studs or as drops, are a favourite pair of Kate’s and have been worn by the Duchess on a number of high profile occasions.
The Duchess plumped for a tailored blue fit-and-flare dress for the occasion, which featured a knee-length hemline and flattering 3/4 length sleeves.
The dress boasts a wide waist belt in the same colour as the dress, which served to accentuate the royal’s svelte frame.
The Duchess arrived with a typically bouncy blow-dry, matching her royal blue dress with husband William’s dapper suit
The duke was joined by his grandmother, the Queen, during a visit to the Grenfell site shortly after the blaze in June 2017
The charity is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, and will hear a speech from William after he meets crew members, former patients and other supporters
Typically polished, the Duchess finished the look with a pair of black patent heels and a matching black patent leather clutch bag. She wore her brunette locks in her signature bouncy blow dry.
The duke was joined by his grandmother, the Queen, during a visit to the Grenfell site shortly after the blaze in June 2017.
In the evening, William will attend the London Air Ambulance charity gala in central London.
The duke worked as a pilot for the East Anglia Air Ambulance, and became a patron of the London organisation in January.
The charity is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, and will hear a speech from William after he meets crew members, former patients and other supporters.
The windswept Duchess of Cambridge began the day at the launch of the National Emergencies Trust in central London
Archie is CRAWLING and has two teeth! Proud Harry and Meghan details of six-month-old son as they pay tribute to military families who ‘hold it together back home’ while partners serve abroad
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have d details about life with baby son Archie as he turns six months old – telling a group of military families that he is beginning to crawl and has two teeth.
Prince Harry also praised those who maintain a home life while their partner is away on operations and sympathised with service personnel missing out on their child’s development while serving abroad.
The couple met families from the Welsh Guards, Coldstream Guards and Household Cavalry when they visited a coffee morning at Windsor’s Broom Farm Community Centre yesterday, in the heart of an Army housing estate.
Photographs and details of Harry and Meghan’s visit were released at 9am this morning in an Instagram post on the couple’s Sussex Royal account, which told how they ‘surprised their neighbours in Windsor’.
Harry – who returned from his visit to Japan for the Rugby World Cup final on Sunday – wore a Royal British Legion poppy on a blue jumper on top of a shirt and animatedly received a cake from a young girl called Poppy Dean.
Poppy Dean gives a cake to The Duchess of Sussex during a visit to Broom Farm Community Centre in Windsor yesterday
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex speak to members of the families of serving soldiers during the visit in Windsor yesterday
Meghan speaks to a family as she attends a coffee morning with families of deployed Army personnel at the centre yesterday
Meghan, who wore a white blouse and black skirt, sported her poppy on a khaki green coat – and crouched down as she spoke to the children.
It comes after Harry sent the England rugby squad a picture of Archie in a Red Rose jersey in a good luck message last week, before the final which they lost to South Africa.
Today, the Duchess of Sussex will make her first visit to Westminster Abbey’s ‘Field of Remembrance‘ as she joins her husband and mother-in-law, the Duchess of Cornwall, to honour the nation’s war dead.
The majority of the Coldstream Guards are on exercise in Kenya and a large proportion of the Welsh Guards are coming to the end of a long deployment to the Falklands.
Harry, who served for 10 years as an Army officer, said he was in awe of military families holding it together back home, saying: ‘It’s unbelievably hard. I have so much respect and admiration for anyone who has to deal with that.’
The Sussexes took Archie to southern Africa last month for their first official tour as a family and the duke empathised with service personnel who are away from their children.
The royal couple meet families from the Welsh Guards, Coldstream Guards and Household Cavalry in Windsor yesterday
The Duchess of Sussex puts her hand out to a child from the family of a soldier in The Welsh Guards yesterday
Harry also praised those who maintain a home life while their partner is away on operations during the visit today
Meghan chatted to parents on the visit to the centre in Windsor yesterday about her son, who was six months old yesterday
He said: ‘I can’t imagine what it’s like to miss so much as they change so quickly.’
Harry and Meghan’s post on their Instagram page
Yesterday, The Duke and Duchess surprised their neighbours in Windsor at a coffee morning for military families in a community centre located in the heart of the Army housing estate. Every year during the month of November we pause to remember and honour all those who have served their country here in the UK, across the Commonwealth and around the world. Their Royal Highnesses also wanted to show support for the families of service personnel who are currently deployed overseas.
As we lead up to Remembrance Sunday, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will join Her Majesty The Queen and other Members of the Royal Family at various commemoration events, including the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall and the Cenotaph.
During the visit yesterday, Their Royal Highnesses met with young families who d their experiences as parents and as couples who are often apart from their loved ones for months at a time. A reminder that a life of service does not simply describe the person wearing the uniform, but the entire family.
#Remembrance #Lestweforget
Meghan chatted to parents about her son, who was six months old yesterday, and d stories about his development with Amy Thompson, whose husband Brad is attached to the Welsh Guards.
Ms Thompson said: ‘My daughter Aeris is the same age as Archie and we talked about weaning and the children beginning to crawl – she’s just a normal mum and it was like talking to a friend.’
During the visit, Harry was pictured holding a little girl while Meghan high-fived a toddler.
Army spouse Leigh Smith took her eight-year-old daughter Molly to meet the royal visitors and the youngster said: ‘Meghan promised not to tell anyone that I was off school. She asked me who my best friend was.’
Ms Smith added: ‘We had a party when Harry and Meghan got married and we’ve followed their story ever since, so it was an amazing experience for Molly to shake hands with them. It’s really special and a lovely boost for the whole community.’
Coldstream Guards welfare officer Captain Colin Lewis said the visit was a welcome tonic after a tough 18 months.
The officer said: ‘The regiment are really appreciative of the support the families provide by picking up the burden when the service person is away.
‘It’s great for the duke and duchess to take the time to truly understand the challenges they face.
Harry, who served for 10 years as an Army officer, said he was in awe of military families holding it together back home
The Sussexes made the visit to the centre one month after they took Archie to southern Africa for their first official tour
The Duchess of Sussex receives a posy of flowers from Bonnie and Maggie Emanuel (mother and daughter) yesterday
Photographs and details of the visit were released at 9am today in an Instagram post on the couple’s Sussex Royal account
‘They are very down to earth and they’ve had a snapshot of the entire community here by talking to lots of people from different backgrounds.’
Tariq Baksh, from the Household Cavalry welfare team, also felt that the couple could relate to many of the families as young parents, saying: ‘They’re a modern family and completely empathised with people – our families realised that they’re no different.’
Helen Llewelyn-Usher, wife of Welsh Guards Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Henry Llewelyn-Usher, said the visit will help families to make new friends.
She said: ‘It’s amazing that Harry and Meghan found time to fit this in to their busy schedule – they shook hands with every single person. It brought together lots of people and now they will always have this amazing memory in common.’
