Queen and Kate join services to mark Armistice Day

The Queen and the Princess of Wales have joined services to mark Armistice Day in the UK as events take place around the world.

Catherine has been at a ceremony at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire where the Last Post signalled the start of a national two-minute silence at 11:00 GMT to mark the end of World War One.

Queen Camilla was at Paddington Station in London for a wreath-laying ceremony, having travelled by train.

The Prince of Wales has also delivered a video message to young people, sharing his views on the importance of wearing a red poppy and to say that "remembrance is for everyone".

French President Emmanuel Macron is attending a wreath-laying ceremony in the Champs-Elysees in Paris to mark the signing of the armistice at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.

Meanwhile the Princess Royal is in Australia, visiting Brisbane's Galipolli Barracks where she laid a wreath.

Along with her husband, Sir Timothy Laurence, Princess Anne also met with current and former armed forces and their families.

In Staffordshire, the Princess of Wales laid a wreath in the centre of the armed forces memorial, watched by a crowd which included veterans and their families.

She appeared to take a moment of reflection before returning to her seat where she bowed her head as the crowd prayed for those who had been affected by conflict.

The Prince of Wales' message was a virtual event for children between nine and 14 in the UK.

In it he says: "When we remember, we connect with service in a personal way.

"We learn from the courage of others, and we carry their stories forward, so they are not forgotten.

"It's not just about the past - it's about shaping who we become in the future.

"Remembrance teaches us empathy, resilience and responsibility.

"And when we wear a red poppy or take a moment of silence, we are saying, 'Thank you. We have not forgotten, and we will not forget'."

The Princess Royal is in Australia at Gallipoli Barracks

Meanwhile, the service in Staffordshire featured the reading of a specially- commissioned poem by the arboretum's poet in residence, Arji Manuelpillai.

"A Sonnet For Us All captures the stories etched into the hundreds of memorials within the National Memorial Arboretum, it invites people to listen, reflect and consider the emotion that was the inspiration for these sculptures," Mr Manuelpillai said.

"These human connections, and the gentle responsibility to carry love forward, are themes that resonate not only with me, but also with HRH The Princess of Wales, for whom the importance of service and compassion lies especially close to the heart."

Later on Tuesday, William will join the King and Queen at Windsor Castle where a reception will honour veterans who served in the Pacific during the Second World War.

The event, which the Duke of Edinburgh and the Duchess of Gloucester will also attend, continues the commemorations for the 80th anniversary of VJ Day - or Victory over Japan Day.