A family affair: Queen joins three generations of Royals at tribute to Britain's war dead
THE Queen was at the forefront of tributes to Britain's war dead tonight as three generations of the Royal Family turned out to pay their respects to our fallen heroes.
The Queen and Prince Philip at tonight's Remembrance service
The monarch was joined by husband Philip, her son Prince Andrew and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge for the sombre remembrance service in London.
Her majesty looked visibly moved as veterans spoke of their time serving their country, including a Battle of Britain pilot and a soldier who lost his sight protecting comrades in Afghanistan.
Her royal company were flanked by Prime Minister David Cameron to the left and Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn to the right as veterans and serving soldiers came together for the Festival of Remembrance.
The Labour leader wore a red poppy, despite speculation that he might wear the pacifist white poppy, but there was no sign of his Mexican wife Laura Alvarez.
The showpiece event, at London's Royal Albert Hall, is held every year in the run up to Remembrance Sunday.
Three generations of the Royal Family turned out for the event
The royals appeared visibly moved by the tales of veterans
The Queen, who is the patron of the Royal British Legion, arrived to a fanfare from the State Trumpeters of the Household Cavalry Band.
She wore a sombre black outfit including a magnificent pearl brooch adorned with three poppies.
She was joined in the royal box by Prince William and wife Kate, who shone in a black lace dress.
Prince William shares a quiet word with his grandmother
The Duke of Cambridge was amongst the royals in attendance tonight
The pair appeared to share a more light-hearted moment at one point
William, who wore a dark suit and regimental tie, was spotted sharing a quiet word with his grandmother whilst Kate chatted with the Duke of York.
The couple were making a rare public appearance without children George and Charlotte.
They were joined in the Royal Box by Prince Philip, who was wearing an impressive array of military medals, and the Earl and Countess of Wessex.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at tonight's ceremony
The memorial service heard from veterans of several different conflicts
David Cameron and wife Samantha were also in attendance
Others in attendance included the Duke of Kent, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, the Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, Prince and Princess Michael of Kent and Princess Alexandra.
Stood to the left of the Royal company were David and Samantha Cameron, whilst Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn appeared to their left sat next to a female aid.
All of those in attendance stood to applaud as the Chelsea Pensioners made their way onto the stage to mark the opening of the service, which pays tribute to the sacrifices of Britain's war dead.
It is the first time the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have attended the annual event
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn was in attendance, but his wife was nowhere to be seen
The service was opened when the Chelsea Pensioners appeared on stage
It was set up to acknowledge the millions of lives lost in the First World War, but also includes reminders of more recent conflicts.
The service was opened with a touching speech from veteran Paul Jacobs, who lost his sight whilst helping save comrades from an IED blast in Afghanistan.
In a video interview, he said: "I am now no longer a soldier, I am a wounded person that's got a whole life that wasn't planned out."
Three generations of Gurkhas also spoke of their time serving Britain, as did 95-year-old Squadron Leader Tony Pickering who flew in the Battle of Britain.
He said: "We never gave up control of the sky ... we never gave it up."
Remembrance Day - EX
Mr Pickering's story served as a reminder of the courageous and tireless work ethic of those who fought in the war. Two months into his duty, he was shot down over Caterham, but flew again the next day.
He said: "Thank goodness I've got to a stage in my life where I'm not dominated by the events of the past.
"I don't like to think about the horrors of war."
Tomorrow the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh will attend the Cenotaph in central London for the traditional service of Remembrance.
They will lay wreaths in front of veterans and current members of the Armed Forces, as will Britain's leading politicians.