The Prince of Wales will deliver a special message to schools across the UK as the country marks Armistice Day.
Pupils around the country will be taking part in an online assembly which will include a video address from Prince William.
In the message, part of the Royal British Legion’s Remembrance Assembly on 11th November, the heir to the throne tells those watching that Armistice Day is an important time to for us to stop and reflect – it is a reminder that Remembrance is for everyone.”
It’s likely that William’s eldest two children will be watching as the assembly is designed for those between 9 and 14 – Prince George is 12 and Princess Charlotte is 10.
It’s been created in partnership with the National Literacy Trust and it’s an online event that will include the two minute silence at 11am.
William’s address speaks directly to the young people involved. The Prince tells them that ”when we remember, we connect with service in a personal way. We learn from the courage of others, and we carry their stories forward, so they are not forgotten. It’s not just about the past—it’s about shaping who we become in the future.”
He continues ”Remembrance teaches us empathy, resilience, and responsibility. And when we wear a red poppy or take a moment of silence, we are saying, “Thank you. We have not forgotten, and we will not forget.”
The future king also talks of his own time in the Armed Forces, saying ”Through my own military experience, as well as through my work in connection with units across the Royal Navy, the Army and the Royal Air Force, I have seen firsthand the hard work, dedication and duty the Armed Forces carry out to ensure we are protected. ”
And he ends ”Coming together for Remembrance is a vital way to honour those whose service keeps us safe. Even today, as we continue to face a number of conflicts across the world, we honour those who have gone before us, and those who are serving now. Their memories matter, their lives matter, and they remind us to be respectful, kind, brave, and thoughtful every day.”
The assembly is led by veteran and TV presenter, JJ Chalmers, and features Second World War veterans including 101 George Durrant from West Sussex who served in the Intelligence Corps in the 14th Army, sometimes called ‘The Forgotten Army’. Also included is 100 year old Prince Albert Jacob who left his home in the Port of Spain in Trinidad at the age of 17 to join the RAF.
The assembly is held every year. Philippa Rawlinson who is Director of Remembrance at the Royal British Legion said ”We’re honoured to welcome the Prince of Wales to this year’s Remembrance Assembly. His contribution, alongside that of veterans and serving personnel, will encourage young people to take part in Remembrance and find their own connection to the Armed Forces community, past and present.”
On Armistice Day, the Princess of Wales will attend a service at the National Memorial Arboretum. During that act of remembrance, a specially written sonnet by the Arboretum’s Poet in Residence, Arji Manuelpillai, will be read.
‘It’s called ‘A Sonnet For Us All” and focuses on the importance of personal connections and bonds that are formed through military service, themes which Kate explores in her patronages and work.
Schools that want to join the assembly can register until 10am on November 11th at this link.
