King Charles and Queen Camilla led senior members of the royal family at the Festival of Remembrance on Saturday evening, as veterans shared their experiences of the First Gulf War and British military operations in Iraq.

The Royal British Legion’s annual gathering at London’s Royal Albert Hall marked the 35th anniversary of the end of the First Gulf War and 15 years since the end of British military operations in Iraq under Operation Telic.

Those anniversaries gave a specific focus to an evening honouring people who lost their lives in service and recognising the sacrifices of Britain’s Armed Forces. The festival brings serving personnel, veterans and their families together with members of the royal family through music, personal testimony and reflection.

The audience stood as the King and Queen entered to a trumpet fanfare before taking their seats in the royal box. The Prince and Princess of Wales also attended and took part in the event.

Catherine wore an Alessandra Rich dress, the Irish Guards regimental brooch, earrings belonging to the late Queen Elizabeth II and a handmade poppy.

Other royal guests included the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, the Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester. Prime Minister Andy Burnham attended with his wife, Marie-France van Heel.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are understood to be marking remembrance events privately this year.

The festival was scheduled for broadcast on BBC One at 9pm on Saturday. Charles, whose patronage of the Royal British Legion was announced in 2024, will lead the nation in a two-minute silence at Sunday’s National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph in London.