Why Did Queen Elizabeth Cry During The Cenotaph Remembrance Sunday Service?

Cenotaph Remembrance Sunday service was indeed an emotional event for the British Royal Family. The Queen shed a tear during the affair as she watched Prince Charles take the lead in remembering soldiers killed in battle, fighting for Britain and the Commonwealth. The Queen paid her respect by observing the two minutes of silence just as the Big Ben rang as the clock stuck 11. Her Majesty was accompanied by Camilla Parker-Bowles, Duchess of Cornwall, and Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, who stood beside her on the balcony.

The senior royal members were stationed facing the monument—on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office building— decked in dark outfits, with beautiful red poppies pinned on her lapel.

This Remembrance Day marks Prince Charles’ third time in a row at performing the symbolic duty of laying the first wreath of red poppies on the Cenotaph in Whitehall. The Queen last led the country at the occasion in 2016. Prince Charles took over soon after and has been continuing it.

The special Sunday service also saw Prince William and Prince Harry lay wreaths of red poppies on the side. It is said that the Remembrance Day is of immense significance in the dukes’ lives as they have served in the armed service before.

Meghan Markle attended her second Remembrance Sunday service as well but was positioned in a separate balcony alongside Sophie, the Countess of Wessex—away from the Queen and Kate Middleton. It is said that the Queen wanted Sophie to offer Meghan emotional support as the Duchess of Sussex is wading through an internal struggle with ruthless media scrutiny.

Aside from royal members, the function also saw a list of noted politicians: Prime Minister Boris Johnson and leader of the opposition Jeremy Corbyn, who were accompanied by Sir John Major, Tony Blair, Gordon Brown, David Cameron, and Theresa May.

As per the royal protocol, the ceremony will see 10,000 war veterans will march in a slow procession past the war memorial.

This special Sunday event marked several firsts in a while—Prince Harry and Meghan’s appearance after speaking up against personal struggles. The function also saw the “fab four” meet each other face to face after several months.