Duke of Kent seen in bad shape at remembrance, comforted by Duchess Sophie

Duchess Sophie skips daughter’s birthday to shine at Festival of Remembrance

By The News Digital
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November 09, 2025

An air of solemn dignity hung over the left hand balcony of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office as Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, accompanied the Duke of Kent during this year’s Remembrance Sunday service.

Sophie was seen offering comfort to the Duke of Kent while they overlooked the Cenotaph.

Sophie missed her daughter Lady Louise Windsor’s 22nd birthday celebrations to attend the event, cut a regal figure as she entered the hall, greeting guests with a warm smile and a handshake.

By her side, Prince Edward looked dapper in a classic black suit, paired with a crisp white shirt and a green, black and gold striped tie, the couple exemplifying understated elegance as they joined in the nation’s solemn tribute.

The Duke retired from the Army as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1976, later received the honorary ranks of Major General in 1983 and Field Marshal in 1993.

His appearance at the ceremony comes just two months after the death of his wife, Katharine, at the age of 92.

A veteran of decades in military service, Prince Edward was commissioned into the Royal Scots Greys as a Second Lieutenant after graduating from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.

Over the next 20 years, he served with distinction, including deployments to Cyprus and Northern Ireland, cementing a lifelong connection to the Armed Forces that remains central to his public role today.

Queen Camilla and Princess Kate stood nearby in black, lending their voices to the national anthem, joined on the balcony by the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.

Below, King Charles led the nation in remembrance, laying the first wreath at Whitehall, while Prince William and Prince Edward also paid tribute in the Cenotaph ceremony.