The Duchess of Gloucester has paid tribute to those who have died for their country at the annual Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey.
The Duchess planted a wooden cross bearing a poppy at the field and bowed her head in commemoration of those who gave their lives in conflict.
During a simple service, the Duchess was invited to plant her cross in front of two others which had also rested on the graves of unknown soldiers who died during World War One and World War Two.
The Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, in his address, said ”at the Field of Remembrance we meet again to remember those who gave their lives in the conflicts of our time, that we might enjoy freedom and peace.”
(Stephen Lock / i-Images)
The Last Post was sounded from the parapet of St. Margaret’s Church which sits in the grounds of the Abbey.
The visit of the Duchess of Gloucester marked the official opening of this year’s Field of Remembrance. Following the commemoration ceremony, the Duchess met veterans and serving military personnel as she toured the field.
Queen Camilla had originally been scheduled to attend but had to withdraw after developing a chest infection.
The event marks the start of Remembrance commemorations. The Field is made up of thousands of wooden crosses, planted by people from across the country, in memory of those who have died for their country.
It began in 1928 when the Poppy Factory brought a tray of poppies to the grounds of the Abbey and people bought them and planted them around one cross. From that, a tradition that sees commemorations from across the world grew.
The Field of Remembrance is now in its 96th year. It is open every day between 8.30am and 6pm until November 17th 2024 for tributes to be placed. Access is via the West Gate on the North Green of Westminster Abbey. There are also Fields of Remembrance in Cardiff, Belfast, Gateshead, Swindon and at the National Memorial Arboretum.
