The Duchess of Edinburgh took part in commemorations for Anzac Day in London, laying a wreath before the sun came up.
Sophie joined veterans and military leaders at a moving ceremony at Wellington Arch, held at 5 o’clock in the morning.
The Duchess, representing The King, placed her flowers at the memorial during a service that paid tribute to the thousands killed in action.
Following the dawn ceremony, the Duchess travelled to the Cenotaph where she placed the first wreath in the Anzac Day service there. The red poppies were joined by tributes from the High Commissioners from Australia and New Zealand.
The Duchess later attended a Service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving for Anzac Day at Westminster Abbey.
Anzac (Australia and New Zealand Army Corps) Day is a national day of remembrance and takes place on the anniversary of the first day of the Gallipoli landings. It was the first campaign of World War One that led to major casualties among Australian and New Zealand troops. Over 11,000 soldiers from the two countries were killed along with over 87,000 troops from Turkiye.
The flags of Australia, New Zealand, the UK and the Republic of Turkiye were carried into the Abbey at the start of the ceremony. The Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend David Hoyle, said that ‘‘today we gather to remember what must never be forgotten. We are also here to honour not just the bravery, but the common cause. We will reflect on the complex history that makes allies and enemies, and leads us through war and peace.’
Wreaths were laid at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and prayers were said by young people from Australia and New Zealand. The service ended with the national anthems of New Zealand and Australia.
