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The Gloucesters

The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester lead Remembrance tributes at the National Arboretum

To mark this year’s Remembrance tributes, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester led the annual Armistice Day Service at the Armed Forces Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum.

Armistice Day is known as the day the Allied powers signed a ceasefire agreement with Germany in France at 11 a.m. on 11 November 1918. This agreement would officially bring World War I to an end. Hundreds of people, including veterans from past conflicts, attended the service at the site in Alrewas, Staffordshire. The Duke and Duchess were among those who observed a two-minute silence to honour all who have fallen since World War One.

During the service, wreaths are laid out by guests and on behalf of the Royal Navy, the Army, and the Royal Air Force. Joining veterans and their families, The Right Reverend Martyn Snow, Bishop of Leicester, presided over the service and was provided by the Band of the Prince of Wales under the direction of Warrant Officer Class 1 (Bandmaster) David Hatton MMUS, FRSM, ATCL.

Visitors planning to visit the Arboretum on Remembrance Sunday (14 November) are required to pre-book in advance. Vehicles unable to present a ticket on Remembrance Sunday will be unable to enter the arboretum. Those travelling are also advised that there will be a road closure in place.

The National Memorial Arboretum is a UK-registered charity with a 150-acre visitor site on the edge of the National Forest in Staffordshire. Each year, more than 300,000 visitors are welcomed to the site, and about 250 events take place. The National Memorial Arboretum is open freely year-round except on Christmas Day. This year, the arboretum is marking its 20th anniversary whilst its parent charity, the Royal British Legion, celebrated its centenary.

About author

My name is Sydney Zatz and I am a University of Iowa graduate. I graduated with a degree in journalism and sports studies, and a minor in sport and recreation management. A highlight of my college career was getting the chance to study abroad in London and experiencing royal history firsthand. I have a passion for royals, royal history, and journalism, which led me to want to write for Royal Central.