As the week is marking Remembrance and Royal British Legion’s centenary, The Duchess of Cambridge hosted a heart-warming conversation spanning generations at the Royal Hospital Chelsea earlier this month. Kensington Palace released the video of the conversation ahead of the Festival of the Remembrance.
During the visit to the hospital, The Duchess of Cambridge met with the Italy Star Veteran, Colonel David Blum OBE. The Duchess, who is also the Co-president of Scouts invited ten-year-old cub scout Emily Edge for the meeting. Taking up the role of the interviewer, The Duchess of Cambridge said, “It’s lovely to meet both of you. And it’s wonderful to be here at the Royal Hospital Chelsea to talk about Remembrance, especially during the centenary of the Royal British Legion. I just wanted to start off by hearing a little bit about both of your stories and a little bit about both of you”.
Recalling his early years, Captain Blum told Catherine, “I was a Pimlico boy and I got called up for the Army. I was actually called up to Aberdeen. Then I was selected for commissioning and I went to Sandhurst”. The Duke of Cambridge also went to the Sandhurst and graduated in 2006. Remarking about that period of her life, Catherine said, “t was probably tougher then than it was when my husband did it, but I’ve heard a lot about Sandhurst.”
Colonel Blum was also a scout and said the skills he learned as a scout were very useful. Emily Edge told Catherine that she is looking forward to the move up from the cub rank. The Duchess herself was a Brownie and she also volunteered with Scouts during her time in Wales after her marriage.
David and Emily showed very beautiful pictures of their times as scouts. How much it is important for our younger generation to learn about Remembrance and our history showed from this conversation. The 10year old Emily said, “I think it’s important to remember all of the servicemen and women who risked or sacrificed their lives so that we can live freely and happily today.”
Emily showed the Duchess and Colonel how to make a poppy.
“It was a true honour to spend time with Colonel Blum and be able to thank him for the sacrifices he made for our country. Speaking to him highlighted again to me why Remembrance is so important, and why we must pay our gratitude to those who have fought and died so we could live in peace today. We must keep their stories alive for generations to come, including young people such as Emily. C “- The Duchess of Cambridge
For the day, The Duchess of Cambridge chose a green look.
She was wearing Holland Cooper Blackwatch Double Breasted Coat. Thanks to Mallory on Twitter for the quick id.
Underneath the Jacket, The Duchess of Cambridge was wearing Iris and Ink Éloise Ribbed Merino Wool-blend Turtleneck Sweater with
Ernestine Ribbed Merino Wool-blend Midi Skirt. Thanks to Middleton Maven for the id.
Catherine paired the outfit with her Emmy London Rebecca Green suede pumps
and her Monica Vinader Siren earrings.
