On Monday, October 27, 2025, King Charles III marked a significant moment in British military history by attending the unveiling of the United Kingdom’s first memorial dedicated to LGBTQ+ members of the armed forces. The King, at 76 years old, took part in this momentous occasion at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, where he met with veterans, laid a bouquet of flowers at the memorial’s base, and listened to powerful speeches from military personnel such as Brigadier Clare Phillips.
During her speech, Phillips reflected on the struggles faced by LGBTQ+ veterans, saying, “For hundreds of LGBT veterans, their experiences have been catastrophic — their lives and careers shattered.” She emphasized that the memorial serves as a tribute to those who fought discrimination and persecution, allowing current service members to now serve openly and with pride. The unveiling of the memorial, according to Phillips, was about honoring these individuals who paved the way for future generations.
The memorial, titled “An Opened Letter,” was designed by artists from the Abraxas Academy in King’s Lynn. The sculpture, forged from bronze, resembles a crumpled piece of paper and is adorned with words from the letters used to out and disgrace LGBTQ+ service members prior to 2000, when the UK lifted its ban on openly gay and lesbian individuals in the military. This powerful piece was designed to acknowledge the pain and distrust experienced by LGBTQ+ veterans while also serving as a beacon of hope for future generations. One of the artists, Nina Bilbey, shared a touching photo of King Charles standing next to the memorial, calling the day “a moment I will never forget.”
In a show of solidarity, the King also met with two groups of LGBTQ+ veterans and serving personnel after the ceremony. The event was attended by up to 300 dignitaries, veterans, and members of the LGBTQ+ community, underscoring the deep significance of this moment in both royal and military history.
This unveiling comes just weeks ahead of Remembrance Day on November 11, when the UK honors its fallen soldiers. Remembrance Day, which coincides with Veterans Day in the United States, is more akin to Memorial Day, observed in May. The royal family traditionally marks the day with a ceremony at The Cenotaph war memorial in Whitehall, a tribute first unveiled by Queen Elizabeth II’s grandfather, King George V, in 1920. This year, Princess Anne, the King’s sister, will be in Australia, participating in a series of military engagements to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Royal Australian Corps of Signals. She will also lay a wreath at the Anzac Memorial in Sydney to commemorate Remembrance Day and honor fallen Australian soldiers.
As King Charles continues to lead the monarchy, his participation in this groundbreaking memorial unveiling is a testament to his commitment to fostering inclusivity and recognition for all who have served in the armed forces, regardless of their sexuality. This event, marking a significant step toward reconciliation and public acknowledgment of past discrimination, underscores the importance of healing and the power of remembrance.
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