The Princess of Wales laid a wreath at the Cenotaph in London to mark Anzac Day, according to multiple reports. The wreath bore a note signed by Catherine and William that read: 'In memory of the Australian and New Zealand soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom', as reported by The Independent. The high commissioners for New Zealand and Australia, Hamish Cooper and Jay Weatherill, also laid wreaths at the Cenotaph. Reverend Dr Lyndon Drake recited from The Fallen by Laurence Binyon, and a Royal Marines Portsmouth Road Band trumpeter played the last post, followed by a one-minute silence. Kate joined attendees in singing the hymn O God Our Help in Ages Past.
Princess Anne attended the Dawn Service at Wellington Arch, Hyde Park Corner, wrapped up warm in a long dark green coat, according to multiple reports. She laid a wreath against Wellington Arch during the service, which lasted about 45 minutes. The dawn service included a reading of the John McCrae poem In Flanders Fields and concluded with the national anthems of the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Australia. Princess Anne's attendance continues a long tradition of royal participation in this early-morning tribute, as noted by research sources.
In memory of the Australian and New Zealand soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom
Anzac Day is one of the most significant national occasions for both Australia and New Zealand, according to research. The date, 25 April, marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War: the landing at Gallipoli in 1915. The Gallipoli campaign aimed to secure a naval route through the Dardanelles from the Mediterranean Sea to Constantinople, as reported by multiple sources. More than 100,000 troops died in the campaign. The soldiers who fought on the shores of the Gallipoli Peninsula became known as the Anzacs, and the qualities of courage, endurance, mateship, and sacrifice demonstrated by them have become enshrined in the national identity of both countries. Anzac Day's meaning has broadened to commemorate all Australians and New Zealanders who have served and died in military operations. Commemorations are held across both nations, as well as internationally in places where service members are buried or have fought. The Cenotaph is the United Kingdom's primary national war memorial, according to research. Anzac Day has been observed in London since King George V attended a service at Westminster Abbey in 1916, as reported by multiple sources. The Dawn Service is a particularly poignant tradition, with services timed to coincide with the pre-dawn landing on the Gallipoli Peninsula, according to research.
The Princess of Wales will join a commemoration and thanksgiving service at Westminster Abbey later on Saturday, according to multiple reports. The service includes readings from representatives of both nations, prayers delivered by children, and a traditional Māori waiata performed by London-based group Ngāti Rānana, as reported by multiple sources. The dawn service was organised by the New Zealand and Australian high commissions, according to multiple reports. Services were also held across New Zealand, Australia and on the Gallipoli peninsula in Turkey, as well as in Villers-Bretonneux, a village in the Somme region of France. Auckland will honour Anzac Day with services across the region, according to research.
Today is #ANZACDay – which honours the members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who served and died in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.
A post on the Royal Family X account said: 'Today is #ANZACDay – which honours the members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who served and died in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.' Prince Harry and Princess Catherine made a rare joint appearance at a memorial service at Westminster Abbey in April 2019 for Anzac Day, according to multiple reports. Meghan Markle was on maternity leave and weeks away from giving birth to their son at the time of the 2019 service. Prince William was absent from the 2019 service and was on a solo tour of New Zealand.
Kensington Palace has confirmed the Princess of Wales will join forces with Princess Anne next week for Anzac Day commemorations. According to research, the Princess of Wales will attend the wreath-laying ceremony and parade at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, and she will lay a wreath on behalf of King Charles. The Princess last attended Anzac Day services in 2022 with the Prince of Wales. Her attendance signals a continued return to public duties following her cancer treatment in 2024, according to research. The Princess announced in January of this year that she is in remission, as stated by the Princess herself.