Who is Arji Manuelpillai, is the Princess of Wales a fan as he writes poem for the Armistice Day Service?

Arji Manuelpillai’s poem A Sonnet For Us All which was written for the Armistice Day Service at the National Memorial Arboretum reads: “When you speak of our country, do not speak of war.

“Speak of the nurse who held a hand like her own father’s,

A lieutenant who embraced a soldier like his own brother.

“Remember, sometimes those who go into burning buildings burn brighter than the fire inside.

“Those who rise from burning buildings carry scars we cannot see.

If you speak of this country, speak of the widow who never stopped waiting, the sailor who kissed a photo till it turned to ash in his hands, or the pilots who meet in the pub to talk of anything but war.

“You see love is a compass, love is a bugle mourning.

“Love is sacrificing tomorrow so that a stranger can live today.

“So when you speak of this country, do not think of it as a place.

“Think of it as a feeling, the feeling of being loved, the duty to pass that love to whoever needs it.”

The Prince and Princess of Wales shared the poem on their Instagram page and wrote: “A Sonnet For Us All

“A poem for this year’s Armistice Day Service at the National Memorial Arboretum, created by the Arboretum’s Poet-in-Residence Arji Manuelpillai.

“As we come together to remember, it feels more important than ever to reflect on the courage, compassion, and sacrifice of all those who have served in defence of our freedom.

“We must cherish what they fought to protect, and let love, above all, guide us forward.”

Who is Arji Manuelpillai?

Arji Manuelpillai is the Arboretum’s Poet-in-Residence. According to his bio, “For over 15 years, Arji Manuelpillai has worked with community arts projects both nationally and internationally. This experience has given him the privilege of collaborating with some of the world’s most interesting people From prisons and immigration removal centres to schools and youth clubs, he has continually pushed creativity and self-expression.”

A day ago, Arji took to Instagram and shared a photograph of Catherine, Princess of Wales. His caption read: “I’m having one hell of a week. Or year. Some would say one hell of a life.

“A few weeks ago I was wandering round the National Memorial Arboretum where I am Poet in Residence when I was told I was needed for a special job.

“I am always happy to write commissioned poems. It’s a brilliant honing of the craft.

“In a quiet meeting room I was told that Her Royal Highness Princess Catherine liked my poems and she wanted me to write one which encompassed her views and thoughts.

“After I had sat down and had a glass of water and rushed to the toilet nine times… I realised this was one of those big poems. One that I will always remember.

“It was a hefty commission marrying my views with the Princess and those of the Arboretum.

“I was on another job in Great Yarmouth. I cleared a day and walked the town (16 thousand steps) drinking tea, eating snacks and writing. It was a tight turnover. With the help of an inspiring team at the Arboretum (specially @iam_rachel_smith and neill) I created the poem.

“That poem is probably one of the most important poems I have ever written. But I felt like God was putting it in front of me at the perfect time. Years of building craft and practice has led me to jobs like this.

“I told my family at the end of last week and I was made aware the Princess had shared other works too.

“Never has my parents been so proud.

“I’m just telling you so you know… this felt like the biggest leap of my career but it comes from endless work, teaching, writing, for myself and for others. This is a big one yes, but I was putting the big effort into every one that came before.

“To write for Her Royal Highness is the honour of my career so far.

“Thankful for this space to share with you guys. If you want a poet who’s worked by ‘royal appointment’ you know where I am!”