LONDON — King Charles III and the Princess of Wales are scheduled to participate in the UK’s annual ceremony honoring fallen service members this Sunday. This event symbolizes a shift towards normalcy for the royal family after a challenging year marked by the battle against cancer faced by two of its beloved members.

Remembrance Sunday holds significant importance in the UK, with the king joined by senior royals, political figures, and representatives from Commonwealth nations that fought alongside Britain throughout the world wars. They will gather to place wreaths at the Cenotaph, a notable memorial situated in central London, which acts as the central site for commemorating the nation’s war casualties.

The attendance of both Charles, the military’s commander in chief, and Kate signifies a restoration of royal duties, if only for a single day. “They are showing respect to us, as we’ve shown to them by serving,” remarked Victor Needham-Crofton, a 91-year-old army veteran who served during the Suez Crisis and later in Kenya.

Earlier this year, Charles was diagnosed with an undisclosed type of cancer that interrupted his public engagements for two months, during which he prioritized his treatment and recuperation efforts. Just weeks later, Kate announced her own cancer diagnosis, which kept her from public life for a significant portion of the year while she underwent chemotherapy.

In recent months, the king has demonstrated good health, recently undertaking a demanding visit to Australia and Samoa. Meanwhile, Kate has gradually returned to her public roles, making her first appearance since her diagnosis during the monarch’s birthday celebrations in June.

Reflecting on the emotional toll that these health challenges have inflicted on the royal family, Prince William, Kate’s husband and the heir apparent, shared his pride in their resilience. “I’m so proud of my wife, I’m proud of my father, for handling the things that they have done,” he stated to reporters following a four-day visit to South Africa. “But from a personal family point of view, it’s been, yeah, it’s been brutal.”

The king’s ceremonial position as commander in chief echoes a historical tradition where monarchs led military campaigns. Despite the evolution of this role, the bond between the monarchy and the armed forces remains robust, as service members pledge allegiance to the king, while royal family members actively participate in supporting military personnel through various charities. Both Charles and William have military experience from active service before dedicating themselves to their royal responsibilities.

On Sunday, due to tradition, Charles is set to lay a wreath of poppies at the Cenotaph. William will also present a floral tribute, featuring the Prince of Wales’ feathers alongside a new red ribbon symbolizing Wales. Kate will observe from a balcony of the adjacent Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, adhering to longstanding custom.

All members of the royal family will then join together for the closing of the ceremony, during which approximately 10,000 military veterans will march past the memorial, paying their respects by laying wreaths for their fallen comrades.

While the Cenotaph remains the focal point of the national remembrance service, local communities across the UK are set to hold their own tributes this Sunday.

Needham-Crofton, who previously served with the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers until a truck accident curtailed his military career, intends to attend a local ceremony in Eastbourne on the southern coast of England. He has dedicated a significant part of his life to supporting veterans, including two decades volunteering with the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans. This commitment has often involved the physically demanding task of collecting donations in front of London subway stations to fund their initiatives.

“I like to respect all the veterans and do what I can for them,” he expressed, emphasizing the deep bonds shared among veterans. “It’s a brotherhood really. Even if you don’t know a veteran that you meet, you feel a kinship toward them. That is very important to me. I shall be like that for the rest of my life.”