FHHRN
A member of the public has shared how she was left “shaking” after meeting Princess Kate at the Armistice Day service held at the National Memorial Arboretum.
The event marked the Princess of Wales’s first appearance at the ceremony, which took place at the Armed Forces Memorial. She stood in quiet reflection, dressed in a structured military-style black coat and a wide-brimmed hat adorned with a bow and two poppies — a symbol of remembrance.
Before departing, Kate took time to greet members of the public who had gathered to see her. Among them was 72-year-old Josephine Bradburn, who had just celebrated her birthday the previous day. Beaming after the encounter, Josephine described meeting the Princess as a “fantastic birthday present.”
Josephine later recalled the special moment, saying: “I got to shake her hand. She said what a lovely place it was and what an honour it was to be asked to come here today. She asked us where we were from.”
The 72-year-old added that she also asked the Princess how she was feeling and remarked on how beautiful the arboretum looked that morning. The exchange, she said, left her “absolutely thrilled” and made the day even more memorable.
Mrs Bradburn admitted that her brief encounter with the Princess left her “shaking” with excitement.
“I’m absolutely blown away by it,” she said. “It’s an amazing birthday present — I couldn’t have asked for anything better.”
During the solemn service, the Princess of Wales laid a wreath at the centre of the memorial, joining serving personnel, veterans, and families in observing the two-minute silence.
The ceremony also featured the reading of a specially commissioned poem, A Sonnet For Us All, which reflected on remembrance, unity, and the enduring bonds formed through service.
The moving poem, A Sonnet For Us All, was written by Arji Manuelpillai, the Poet in Residence at the National Memorial Arboretum.
It read:
“When you speak of our country, do not speak of war. Speak of the nurse who held a hand like her own father’s.
A lieutenant who embraced a soldier like his own brother. Remember, sometimes those who go into burning buildings burn brighter than the fire inside. Those who rise from burning buildings carry scars we cannot see.
If you speak of this country, speak of the widow who never stopped waiting, the sailor who kissed a photo till it turned to ash in his hands, or the pilots who meet in the pub to talk of anything but war.
You see love is a compass, love is a bugle mourning. Love is sacrificing tomorrow so that a stranger can live today.
So when you speak of this country, do not think of it as a place. Think of it as a feeling, the feeling of being loved, the duty to pass that love to whoever needs it.”
The poem’s touching words resonated deeply with those in attendance, capturing the spirit of remembrance through compassion, courage, and enduring love.
After the ceremony, Princess Kate made her way to the memorial wall, where she met Squadron Leader Beth Long and her daughters, Scarlett and Sophie — the family of Squadron Leader Mark Long, who tragically lost his life in a Spitfire crash during the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight in 2024. His name was the most recent to be inscribed on the wall, a poignant reminder of the ongoing sacrifices made in service.
The Princess listened attentively as Beth and her daughters shared their memories, offering her condolences and words of comfort.
As she continued greeting attendees, Kate was presented with a bouquet of flowers by pupils from Newport Girls’ High School. In a lighthearted moment, a sudden gust of wind nearly swept away her hat as she descended the memorial steps, prompting a smile and laughter from those nearby.
