Queen given moving tribute in Field of Remembrance for Britain’s war dead

A MOVING tribute was paid to Queen Elizabeth II in a Field of Remembrance for the nation's war dead.

Camilla Queen Consort kicked off the nation's sombre events as she visited more than 70,000 crosses laid outside Westminster Abbey.

Crosses and other symbols have been laid out in 308 plots according to regiment, unit or association, by volunteers, in a tribute which began 94 years ago.

Among the poignant and moving memorial was a black cross for the late Queen and a black and white photo taken at the abbey in 2002 - the year in which she lost her mother and sister Princess Margaret.

The Queen Consort, 75, paused for several moments at the cross which read simply 'In memoriam Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 1926 - 2022'.

More than 1,000 veterans gathered in the grounds of Westminster Abbey for the short ceremony yesterday.

They observed a spine-tingling two-minute silence as Big Ben chimed to mark 11am, to remember those who have lost their lives.

Following an Exhortation to Remembrance and two-minute silence Her Majesty toured the individual plots - chatting to many retired servicemen and women.

Speaking afterwards, Patrick Callaghan, 70, a resident of The Royal Hospital, Chelsea, described how the royal visitor joked 'you Chelsea Pensioners are looking a lot younger these days'.

He added: "She’s wonderful."

Camilla also stopped to pet the mascot of the Staffordshire Regimental Association, the grandly named Corporal Watchman VI.

Deirdre Mills, chief executive of The Poppy Factory, which organises the plots, said: ‘We are deeply honoured to have Her Majesty The Queen Consort attend the 94th Field of Remembrance, demonstrating once again the importance of acknowledging the sacrifice of all those who have given their lives for others.

"Her Majesty's commitment to the ex-forces community has been unwavering.

We are grateful to Her Majesty The Queen Consort for her continued support as we look to help hundreds more veterans overcome barriers on their journey towards employment."

The King and Queen Consort will join Kate and William and other senior royals at a Royal British Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday.

Wreaths will be laid by senior royals at the Cenotaph on Sunday.