What Daniel Mays fans are saying after his moving reading at poignant Festival of Remembrance in front of King

Daniel Mays brought audience members to tears with his "superb" reading of a British soldier's goodbye letter to his beloved wife at the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance.

Mays paid tribute to Gunner Lee Thornton, leaving members of the Royal Family visibly moved.

Thornton, from the 12th Regiment Royal Artillery, died at age 22 from injuries caused by a gunshot wound suffered while on patrol in Al Qurna, north of Basra, Iraq.

BBC Events shared the footage on Instagram, captioning the incredibly emotional clip: "Words that were never meant to be read aloud, but deserve to be heard.

"Daniel Mays shares Gunner Lee Thornton’s letter at the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance, helping to keep his story alive."

In the comment section, Mays was widely praised, with one person saying: "He delivered that with delicate emotion, passion and meaning. No one better to allow us to hear something so moving".

Another said: "I watched it 3 times this morning when I woke up. I have to admit on the third time my emotions got the better of me. This is the saddest realities of the job, rest in peace Gunner Thornton."

Mays, who has long supported the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance, previously described being able to deliver a reading as an "honour and a privilege".

Viewers also took to X to talk about the reading, with one writing: "#FestivalOfRemembrance your reading Daniel Mays was superb", to which another replied: "Amen to that - highlight of the evening so far. Quite brilliant". A third added: "Made me cry".

In addition, Hollywood actor Rita Wilson performed an emotional and moving rendition of 'Songbird', taking to X herself afterwards to talk about the experience.

"Tonight I sang for King Charles, Queen Camilla, Prince William and Princess Catherine at the Royal Albert Hall for the @BBC Festival of Rememberance honoring veterans," she said. "It’s nights like these that make me wish my parents were still alive so I could share it with them…"

In a series of follow-up tweets, she added: "My dad who escaped communist Bulgaria to live a life of freedom fought for by so many, and some who paid the ultimate price so that we could be free. Our countries have been allies and unified in pursuit of these shared desires.

"What an honor to be a part of such an emotional tribute to these men and women who have served their country. Thank you @christine_mcvie for your song 'Songbird'. I feel deeply grateful to have been asked to sing this tonight."

In the replies, one viewer said: "I absolutely adore that song and your rendition of it was just beautiful and a wonderfully poignant moment on the service as we remember those who never can him with us. Thank you, from a grateful RAF Veteran"

Another added: "Goosebumps. What a beautiful way to commemorate your family history and the sacrifices of so many."