The secret message behind King Charles's remembrance appearance

There are few days more important in our annual calendar than Remembrance Sunday. We remember those who bravely gave their lives in service to their country, reflect on the pain of their loss, appreciate the peace they gave us and pay tribute to their sacrifice in the face of insurmountable odds.

As he does each year, the King led the nation to the Cenotaph for a poignant service, one that was perhaps made all the more striking this year as we continue to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.

And while the monarch remembered the loss that so punctuated his parents' and grandparents' generations, the grief etched on his face was incredibly powerful to see.

The nation watched in respectful silence as the King placed the first poppy wreath onto the memorial before taking a few careful steps back and offering his salute.

Looking somewhat more emotional than in years gone by, the strain of the last few weeks weighed heavily on His Majesty's face as his blue eyes appeared to glisten with tears throughout the service.

Backed up by a severely diminished Royal Family line-up, with just Prince William and Prince Edward by his side, the King looked more contemplative than usual.

Perhaps his emotions were heightened as he gears up to mark his 77th birthday in just five days' time. Or perhaps it was the magnitude of the incredibly difficult few weeks being felt.

Not only have the formalities of stripping his disgraced younger brother's titles and official roles been observed, but the emotional torment has been worn, too.

He is, after all, the King's brother, and the process of undoing the arcane knot of over 100 years of royal legislature and parliamentary guidance is not a straight and narrow path to walk, not least when you take family feelings into consideration.

But, in removing Andrew's last clutchings to royal life and pushing him out of his lavish home, the monarch did what needed to be done: he read the room, reacted and refocused the attention exactly where it needed to be - on the victims.

The King has long been a man intent on inclusion, on harmony, on friendship and faith, but he proved he can be tough when needed, making 2025 the year that he truly saved the monarchy.