Princess Anne and Sir Tim Laurence make emotional joint visit to Belgium

The Princess Royal and Sir Tim Laurence led commemorations in Belgium to mark the reopening of the Menin Gate Memorial in Ypres, following a significant restoration project. 

Princess Anne and Sir Tim were greeted in Ypres by Princess Claire – King Philippe’s sister-in-law.

After viewing the 54,000 names of missing soldiers engraved on the gate, and laying a wreath, the Princess delivered a speech.

Speaking on behalf of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, Her Royal Highness paid tribute to those who made the restoration possible and reflected on the enduring importance of remembrance.

The Menin Gate, one of the most iconic First World War memorials, bears the names of over 54,000 British and Commonwealth soldiers who died in the Ypres Salient and have no known grave. It has stood since 1927 as a symbol of sacrifice, memory and international solidarity.

In her address, Princess Anne said: “The Menin Gate has long stood as more than stone and inscription. It is a threshold between past and present, silence and memory, sacrifice and gratitude.”

The Princess praised the craftsmanship and dedication of those involved in the restoration — including architects, conservationists, stonemasons and horticulturalists — noting that their work had “balanced historical conformity with modern innovation” to produce results that are “both respectful and resilient.”

She also extended her gratitude to the city of Ypres, the region of Flanders, and the Belgian people, describing their longstanding commitment to the memorial as “living testimony to the strength of the bonds that exist between our nations.”

The restoration, which began in 2023, involved meticulous work to preserve the structure’s integrity and appearance while ensuring its resilience for future generations. In her speech, the Princess Royal described the project as “an example of a commitment to remembrance that transcends borders.”

The Last Post, sounded at the memorial every evening since 1928 – with the exception of the German occupation during the Second World War – remains a central feature of the site. 

“Through wars and peace, through decades of change, the bugle has sounded beneath these arches,” the Princess said. “And today and tonight, it sounds again: We have not forgotten.”

She closed her speech with a message of renewal and remembrance, saying: “This memorial will continue to stand as a testament to the courage, sacrifice, and enduring peace for which they fought. This restoration is for you.”