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Prince & Princess of WalesThe Sussexes

New details of William, Kate and Harry's WW1 commemorations announced

<![CDATA[On 4th August, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge – joined by Prince Harry later on – will attend a number of events in Belgium to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the start of the First World War.
large_14236163777William and Kate will attend two events in Liège and Mons before being joined by Prince Harry for the final two events of the day in Mons.
The Royal couple’s first engagement will be a welcome to Liège King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium at L’Abbaye Saint-Laurent. Founded in 1026 L’Abbaye Saint-Laurent is a former Benedictine monastery
The main event of the morning and second engagement of the day will have the Duke and Duchess attend a Service at the Cointe Inter-Allied Memorial, the main event of the morning. Prince William is scheduled to deliver a speech during the service.
Prior to joining William and Kate in Belgium, Prince Harry will attend the “Step Short” remembrance event in Folkestone to observe the centenary of the First World War. Harry will unveil a Memorial Arch, lay a wreath at the War Memorial and take the salute of a military and civilian parade.
Folkestone is a port town on the English Channel, in Kent, in south-east England.
The “Step Short” order was given to those during the war in order to shorten the stride as they descended the steep slope of Folkestone’s Road of Remembrance (then known as Slope Road) as they made their way to the harbour and aboard the boats that would carry them to the Western Front. Shortening their stride let those marching to cross the slope safely.
Step Short is the Folkestone educational charity created to pay homage to those who passed through the town during World War I. The town played an essential role as it was a port of embarkation and return to the Western Front for countless numbers of men and women.
After the wreath laying and salute, Prince Harry will then walk down the Road of Remembrance before meeting with participants of the parade.
Following his engagement in Folkestone, he will join his brother and sister-in-law for a Reception at Mons Town Hall. After they will attend a Commemoration Event at Saint Symphorien Military Cemetery.
The following day, William, Kate and Harry will be at the Tower of London to attend the Tower’s poppy installation in the moat as part of the WW1 centenary commemorations.
photo credit: Mikepaws via photopin cc]]>