Queen Camilla at the 97th Field of Remembrance

On 6 November 2025, Queen Camilla attended the 97th Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey, participating in a ceremony that honours veterans and their sacrifices. Rows of poppies stretched across the churchyard, each cross representing a regiment, a unit, or a service member. The sight was a reminder of nearly a century of tradition, one that continues to resonate with those who serve and those who remember.

Royal Family – Instagram

Queen Camilla was greeted by the Dean of Westminster and handed a wooden cross of remembrance, which she placed among the rows of crosses commemorating unknown British soldiers. She then walked through the plots, pausing to observe and speak with veterans and attendees, quietly acknowledging their service.

The ceremony was simple and solemn. Big Ben rang out overhead, the Last Post resonated across the churchyard, and veterans stood quietly amid the sea of red poppies. There were no speeches, just presence and attentiveness, which spoke volumes on their own.

For Queen Camilla, the visit had personal significance. Her father, Major Bruce Shand, served in the 12th Royal Lancers during the Second World War. The navy-blue coat with a red collar she wore subtly referenced that connection, a detail noticed by those familiar with military history.

The Field of Remembrance began in 1928, initially with only a handful of crosses planted by The Poppy Factory. Today, hundreds of crosses mark the plots, each one placed by regiments, cadet groups, charities, and families. The Queen’s role as patron of The Poppy Factory brings attention to the charity’s ongoing work supporting veterans with health conditions and providing meaningful employment.

Royal Family – Instagram

Throughout the visit, small but meaningful interactions stood out. Conversations with veterans, exchanges with families, and greetings to mascots highlighted the human side of remembrance. These moments grounded the ceremony, moving it beyond tradition into lived experience.

Royal Family – Instagram

As the Queen moved through the plots, the ceremony underscored the ongoing importance of remembrance. Laying her cross, observing the memorials, and engaging with attendees, Queen Camilla demonstrated that honouring service is as much about presence and attention as it is about words.

At Westminster Abbey, the 97th Field of Remembrance was a quiet, powerful reminder: remembrance is ongoing. It is made visible through participation, reflection, and recognition of those who have served.