Today in London, the royal family gathered to honor fallen soldiers during “Remembrance Sunday,” which takes place on the second Sunday of every November.
Queen Elizabeth II led the tribute at the Cenotaph, an “empty tomb” to honor those whose remains did not make it home from battle.
This year, Her Majesty was joined by King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the British liberation of Holland.
While Her Majesty, Prince Harry and Prince William laid poppy wreaths at the memorial, the Duchess of Cambridge watched from the balcony of government building Whitehall, alongside Maxima and the Countess of Wessex, who is married to the Queen’s youngest son, Prince Edward.
Catherine wore a custom-made Alexander McQueen coat for the ceremony, according to What Kate Wore, along with pearl-drop earrings from jeweler Annoushka and a hat with delicate black netting.
Her Royal Highness has attended every Remembrance Sunday since 2011; William served with the Royal Air Force, and as king will one day be Head of the Armed Forces.
Remembrance Sunday is a pretty remarkable event; two minutes of silence are observed, the “Last Post” is played, and veterans march by the Cenotaph to remember those lost in battle.
Last night, William and Catherine (wearing a lace dress by Dolce & Gabbana) joined the Queen at the Royal Albert Hall for the annual Festival of Remembrance, also put on to honor veterans, which featured performances by Rod Stewart and Andrea Bocelli.
Read more about Remembrance Sunday here.