Why Princess Anne Lays a Wreath on Remembrance Sunday While Princess Kate and Queen Camilla Don’t
Anne holds her own military appointments and is the sister of the King and a daughter of the late Queen.
Every year, the King leads the royal family in a solemn ceremony at the Cenotaph, honoring the fallen heroes during the Remembrance Sunday Service. The royal family participates at the Cenotaph in distinct roles. The King, Prince William, Prince Edward, and Princess Anne lay wreaths at the base, while Queen Camilla and Princess Catherine observe from the Foreign Office balcony. The King, as head of the British Armed Forces, traditionally lays the first wreath.
Camilla does not lay her wreath personally; her equerry does so using her racing colors. The central balcony is reserved for the most senior royal women, including Catherine and Camilla as consorts, along with the Duchess of Edinburgh and other senior royals. Princess Anne usually participates in the wreath-laying ceremony, while her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, remains on the balcony. Those laying wreaths, including the King, Prince William, Princess Anne, and Prince Edward, wear military uniforms. Anne holds her own military appointments and is the sister of the King and a daughter of the late Queen.
Princess Kate observes the National Service of Remembrance from a balcony with Queen Camilla, following royal tradition, rather than actively participating in the wreath-laying. She has, however, laid wreaths at other ceremonies like Armistice Day and Anzac Day. The Princess of Wales has consistently attended the event every year since marrying into the royal family in 2011, including in 2024, despite her cancer diagnosis and treatment.
“Being a senior member of the royal family and doing these ceremonial events is obviously important to her,” royal author Sally Bedell Smith had told People. During today's service, the Queen and the Princess of Wales were captured exchanging warm smiles, while at times Princess Kate also looked visibly moved by the poignant service.
