The Duke of Cambridge has attended the Civic Service for Anzac Day today in Auckland, New Zealand.
The event took place this morning at the Auckland War Memorial Museum to “remember the servicemen and women of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps who have served their nation in times of war,” according to Kensington Palace.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Governor-General of New Zealand Patsy Reddy were also in attendance alongside thousands of New Zealanders. The Duke greeted the Prime Minister with the traditional Maori greeting when he arrived.
His Royal Highness also laid a wreath to commemorate those lost in conflicts.
The Duke of Cambridge is not the only member of the British Royal Family who is attending events today to mark Anzac Day. His wife, the Duchess of Cambridge, will attend the Anzac Day Service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving alongside the Duke of Gloucester in London. The Duke of Gloucester will also lay a wreath at the ANZAC Day Dawn Service at the New Zealand Memorial in Hyde Park Corner.
Attendance at the Anzac Day Service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving by a member of the Royal Family goes back 103 years beginning with King George V and Queen Mary.
Anzac Day is commemorated in Australia and New Zealand to remember those who have served in the military and died during conflicts and peace missions. It is held on the 25 April each year.
The Duke of Cambridge is in New Zealand for a short visit on the invitation of the Prime Minister. He is there on behalf of The Queen to honour those who were lost and impacted by the terror attacks in Christchurch in March. His Royal Highness is due to meet survivors during his two-day visit which will focus primarily on Christchurch.
