Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh Wears Statement Gold Choker to the Festival of Remembrance

The British royal family gathered in London this evening for the annual Festival of Remembrance at Royal Albert Hall. King Charles and Queen Camilla were joined by the Prince and Princess of Wales, Princess Anne, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh.

Sophie, notably, accessorized with a gold choker featuring stylized leaves. (It appears to be the “Leaves Choker” or the “Leaves Collar” from Giulia Barela, an Italian jewelry brand.) The Duchess of Edinburgh also pinned a red poppy brooch to her sparkling Alaïa dress to honor fallen troops.

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Duchess of Edinburgh arrives at the 2026 Festival of Remembrance.

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Another view of the Duchess this evening.

“In a year marking significant anniversaries of operations in Bosnia, the end of the Gulf War and the Iraq War, the Festival will reflect on the experiences of those whose lives have been shaped by conflict. Personal stories will bring to light the memories of those who served through their letters, known as ‘Blueys’ – the distinctive light-blue airmail letters sent home to loved ones,” Buckingham Palace noted.

The Palace added, “At the heart of this year’s Festival is the theme of Places of Remembrance, exploring how the places we associate with those we have lost can hold profound personal meaning. From national memorials and familiar landmarks to gardens, football pitches and quiet corners of everyday life, people from across the UK will share the places where they remember and feel close to loved ones who are no longer with them.”

Emily Burack (she/her) is the Deputy Digital Editor for Town & Country, where she covers entertainment, celebrities, the royals, and a wide range of other topics. Before joining T&C, she was the deputy managing editor at Hey Alma, a Jewish culture site. Follow her @emburack on Instagram, Twitter, and other social media platforms.