For her final day, on Wednesday, Queen Camilla paid a moving tribute with a visit to the Tower of London. She was particularly struck by the moving installation “The Tower Remembers,” a tribute to those who have served in America’s armed services. The visit took place against a backdrop steeped in historical importance. The installation serves as a “wound” across the inner walls of the fortress — which housed an important U.S.
Dressed elegantly for the occasion, Queen Camilla wore a red wool crepe dress designed by Fiona Clare, complemented by a black cape. She wore black leather gloves to compliment her look. These beautiful poppy gloves were a present received by the Queen during her State Visit to France in 2023. The glove was a perfect choice, as she said,
“These were given to me in France last year. It was so cold today I thought it was the perfect opportunity to put them on.”
While on her visit, Queen Camilla toured the installation, which brings in visitors from around the globe with its stunning portrayal of homelands powerful imagery. She spent time personally interacting with members of the public and took the time to speak with veterans at the Tower. With every interaction, you could tell that she was grateful for their service and sacrifice.
The Queen then greeted Sir Nicholas Coleridge, Chair of Historic Royal Palaces, with a kiss on both cheeks. Next, she greeted John Barnes, CEO of the charitable body that manages the Tower’s upkeep. In a very moving gesture, she mingled with students from Cardwell Primary School in Woolwich. The pupils smiled with delight as they set out the poppies they had shaped from card to form the word peace.
As she signed the visitors’ book, a sudden blast of wind would have flipped the pages completely over, making her laugh and quip,
“Everything’s going to take off.”
This light-hearted cultural exchange diffused some of the solemnity of the occasion. Her Majesty added that she was particularly touched by the installation because, as she said,
“This is rather beautiful, it really is.”
During her visit, she accompanied schoolboy Harrison and put a ceramic poppy into the display. This act deepened her association with the idea of remembrance.
Queen Camilla marched right past a high-ranking Guard of Honour. Six Yeoman Warders then stood sentinel at their posts during her dedicated honor. She took a moment to greet and shake hands with some of the hundreds of tourists who had unexpectedly crossed paths with the royal visit during their own explorations of the historic site.
Reflecting on the meaning of her meeting with veterans, Her Majesty Queen Camilla spoke candidly about her growing understanding of what remembrance means. She stated,
“I don’t go around thinking of men that gave their lives and all that sort of thing. But then suddenly, when you’re in a situation, you’re sitting quietly, or you’re out walking in the park, and suddenly it comes into your mind, and you realise exactly what these men did, how I really do thank them, and they are my heroes, all of them. Those that are alive even.”
Her words remind us that the emotional/spiritual impact of these commemorative events is just as important. They affect not only the people who live in them, but all of us.
