Prince William and Kate Middleton surprised commuters at a London tube station on Thursday morning with a special appearance in honour of London Poppy Day.
Excitement coursed through High Street Kensington station just before 11am as the royal couple arrived together, and they were soon surrounded by excited, and incredulous, members of the public.
© Photo: TwitterWilliam and Kate surprised commuters at High St Kensington Station on Thursday
The couple were in high spirits as they made their way over to speak to servicemen and servicewoman who were out selling poppies in the station.
New mum Kate was dressed in a suitably red-coloured coat by LK Bennett, while her husband chose a dark suit. Both were proudly wearing their poppies.
The couple had arrived at the station on board the Poppy Bus, which is travelling around London as part of the Royal British Legion tour.
© Photo: TwitterThe couple were showing their support for London Poppy Day
Earlier that morning, William and Kate had welcomed Poppy Day staff and volunteers to Kensington Palace. The couple spent time talking to the passengers on the 1960s Routemaster Bus, including Barbara Windsor and the Poppy Girls; five youngsters from military families who have the 2013 Poppy Appeal’s official single, The Call (No Need To Say Goodbye).Kensington Palace was not the only landmark on the Poppy Bus tour. Later that morning, it called by Downing Street, where Prime Minister David Cameron showed his support for the cause.
© Photo: TwitterDavid Cameron welcomes the Poppy Bus to Downing Street
On Thursday, more than 2,000 uniformed personnel, veterans and supporters will take to the streets of the capital for London Poppy Day, ahead of Remembrance Sunday this weekend.
It was launched on Tuesday evening when Mayor Boris Johnson fired a light artillery gun at Armourey House in the City of London.
The Royal British Legion is holding London Poppy Day in an effort to raise £1millon in a single day.
© Photo: PAFundraisers will appear at 80 tube and train stations to help raise money for the national Poppy Appeal, which this year aims to raise £37million. Elsewhere, Prince Philip was accompanied by his grandson Prince Harry for his annual visit to the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey on Thursday morning.The royals paid their respects by each laying a Cross of Remembrance in front of two wooden crosses from the Graves of Unknown British Soldiers from the First and Second World Wars.
