Kate Middleton Wears a Somber Black Dress to the Festival of Remembrance
In the lead up to the 100th anniversary of World War I, the royal family is paying their respects to those who died during the conflict. Today, the Duchess of Cambridge attended the moving Royal Festival of Remembrance alongside the Queen, her husband Prince William, the Sussexes, and several other Windsors.
The annual event, which features musical performances always commemorates Britain's war heroes, but it's taking on even greater significance this year, given the centennial milestone. The program featured a number of artists including Sir Tom Jones, Sheridan Smith, and also the Kingdom Choir, which is perhaps best known for its moving rendition of "Stand By Me" from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding in May.
Kate arrived at the Royal Albert Hall wearing a somber black dress with an asymmetrical paired with black pumps, a small clutch, and of course, a red poppy pin.
While the tradition isn't as well known in the United States, in the UK and some of the other Commonwealth countries, wearing poppies in November is a century-old tradition, and the flower has become a poignant symbol, honoring the lives and memories of fallen troops.
The Duchess's look is quite similar to what she wore last year: a black velvet coat dress with silver buttons, accessorized with sheer black tights, black heels, and again, an oversized poppy pin.
There have been several events over the past few weeks in honor of Britain’s fallen soldiers. At the end of October, Kate visited the Imperial War Museums to learn about the lives of her great-grandmother's three brothers who died in WWI. And tomorrow, she will join the rest of her family at London's Cenotaph for the national memorial service.
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