The Princess of Wales led the nation in paying their respects

Princess Kate revealed that Prince George has become a big fan of one of the UK’s most iconic planes.

The Princess of Wales made the revelation at the National Memorial Arboretum, where she was heading national commemorations for Armistice Day.

She joined veterans, serving personnel, and families as the nation observed the two-minute silence at 11am, before taking the time to lay a wreath in honour of those who have lost their lives in service to the country.

After the memorial, she spoke to Geoffrey Spencer, who served in RAF Bomber Command and repaired and flew Lancaster Bombers. She revealed that George is a “big fan” of Lancaster Bombers and loves to make AirFix models of them.

Princess Kate revealed that Prince George loves the Lancaster Bomber | GETTY

She said: “George very much likes making the AirFix models. He is a big fan of the Lancaster Bomber, so he knows more about aircraft than I do.”

It marked the first time that Kate had attended the event held at the Armed Forces Memorial.

Her attendance at the events showcases her longstanding work with military communications and the importance she personally puts on recognising the struggles and sacrifices of those in the Armed Forces.

During the ceremony, a specially commissioned poem titled A Sonnet For Us All was read.

The poem was written by Arju Maunlpillai, the Poet in Residence at the National Memorial Arboretum, and highlighted the connections that are forged through service.

It read: “When you speak of our country, do not speak of war. Speak of the nurse who held a hand like her own father’s.

Princess Kate led the nation in paying their respects at the National Memorial Arboretum | GETTY

“A lieutenant who embraced a soldier like his own brother. Remember, sometimes those who go into burning buildings burn brighter than the fire inside. Those who rise from burning buildings carry scars we cannot see.

“If you speak of this country, speak of the widow who never stopped waiting, the sailor who kissed a photo till it turned to ash in his hands, or the pilots who meet in the pub to talk of anything but war.

“You see love is a compass, love is a bugle mourning. Love is sacrificing tomorrow so that a stranger can live today.

“So when you speak of this country, do not think of it as a place. Think of it as a feeling, the feeling of being loved, the duty to pass that love to whoever needs it.”

Following the ceremony, Kate took time to greet the crowds who came out to show their support.

One of the members of the public was 72-year-old Josephine Bradburn, who celebrated her birthday on Friday, and she said she was left “shaking” following her interaction with the Princess of Wales.

Princess Kate took the time after the ceremony to speak to crowds who had gathered | REUTERS

Mrs Bradburn said it was a “fantastic birthday present” to meet her.

She continued: “I got to shake her hand. She said what a lovely place it was and what an honour it was to be asked to come here today. She asked us where we were from.

“I’m absolutely blown away by it. It’s an amazing birthday present, I couldn’t have asked for anything better.”