The Prince of Wales puts a comforting arm around the Princess of Wales as they entered tonight’s Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall.

The Remembrance event at the lavish venue in Kensington is the Wales’s first high-profile appearance in months since Kate was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer.

Prince William has described year as the ‘hardest’ of his life, whilst remarking how proud he was of his father and wife for their bravery and dignity amid their health woes.

Footage of the beaming Royal couple entering the Royal Albert Hall shows them shaking hands with officials, as the Princess of Wales lovingly and gently rubs William’s lower back.

Before heading into the celebration for Britain’s servicemen and women, the Prince adoringly and lightly clasps Kate’s upper waist and back as the pair are guided into the renowned London music hall.

It comes as images showed the Princess of Wales beaming as she entered the hall for the Festival of Remembrance tonight.

Kate was radiant as she cut a sleek figure in a black dress walking alongside Prince William into the lavish Kensington venue to celebrate Britain’s servicemen and women.

Kate donned one Poppy this year, despite being renowned for pinning three to herself in previous years for the Remembrance weekend events.

His Majesty, who became Patron of the Royal British Legion earlier this year, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, as well as Princess Anne are also set to be in attendance at tonight’s proceedings.

The Duke of Kent, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucestershire and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence are also expected to be seated in the Royal Box tonight, as those who put their lives on the line for King and Country are celebrated.

Hosted by Adrian Lester, several British music icons will take to the stage to honour the servicemen and women, including Sir Tom Jones, Alexandra Burke, Jack Savoretti and many more.

However the Queen will be noticeably absent from both tonight’s event as well as the Remembrance Day service at the Cenotaph tomorrow after becoming unwell with a ‘seasonal chest infection’.

A Palace spokesperson confirmed earlier today: ‘Following doctors’ guidance to ensure a full recovery from a seasonal chest infection, and to protect others from any potential risk, Her Majesty will not attend this weekend’s Remembrance events.

‘While this is a source of great disappointment to The Queen, she will mark the occasion privately at home and hopes to return to public duties early next week.’

It is understood there is no cause for alarm, and no downturn in her condition. The Queen is said to be mindful of minimising the risk of passing any last lingering infection to others.

Princess Catherine who is recovering from cancer and King Charles, who is still having ongoing treatment for cancer, are both attending this weekend’s Remembrance events

Buckingham Palace announced on Tuesday that the Queen, who has just completed a mammoth tour of Australia and Samoa with King Charles, was cancelling her forthcoming engagements due to a chest infection.

A Buckingham Palace spokesman said at the time: ‘Her Majesty The Queen is currently unwell with a chest infection, for which her doctors have advised a short period of rest.

‘With great regret, Her Majesty has therefore had to withdraw from her engagements for this week but she very much hopes to be recovered in time to attend this weekend’s Remembrance events as normal.

‘She apologises to all those who may be inconvenienced or disappointed as a result.’

The 77-year-old royal is understood to be recovering at home in Wiltshire and is being monitored by doctors.

Camilla’s condition meant that she had to reluctantly withdraw from the annual opening of the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey on Thursday; with the Duchess of Gloucester, 78, standing in for her.

The Queen also had to cancel an appearance at a reception at Buckingham Palace honouring the nation’s Olympic and Paralympic stars the very same day.

Camilla is anticipated to return to work as soon as next week and is set to host a reception for authors shortlisted for this year’s Booker Prize at Clarence House.

She is also expected to attend the glitzy global premiere of Gladiator II at the Royal Film Performance in London’s Leicester Square next Wednesday evening.

Buckingham Palace announced the King and Camilla will meet the stars of the blockbuster, Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington, Connie Nielsen and Pedro Pascal, and director Sir Ridley Scott.

The reception marks the centenary of the Film and TV Charity, of which Charles is patron. The events are taking place on the eve of the King’s birthday, with Charles turning 76 next Thursday.

Tomorrow the King alongside other members of the Royal family will attend the annual Remembrance Service at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, which is the nation’s chief war memorial dedicated to those who died in World War I and II.

His Majesty is expected to lay a wreath designed to pay homage to his grandfather King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II.

The wreath of poppies will be placed on a bed of black leaves, bearing the monarch’s racing colours of scarlet, purple and gold – as is traditional for a Sovereign.

Queen Camilla’s wreath, which also bears her racing colours inherited from her grandfather and inspired by the Queen Mother, will be placed on her behalf by an Equerry from the Royal Household. Both wreathes were made by the Poppy Factory.

Prince William will lay the wreath previously placed by King Charles III, featuring the Prince of Wales feathers and a new ribbon in Welsh red.