For almost a century, members of the Royal Family have paid tribute to those who have lost their lives fighting for their country by attending the Fields of Remembrance. Rows of crosses and poppies spring up in November at churches across the United Kingdom to remember those who have died in service of their nation. This year, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex joined the commemoration at Westminster Abbey.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Duchess of Cornwall was also due to attend the event but was told to rest by doctors after a chest infection she has been suffering from became worse.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Duke of Sussex was the first to place his cross amongst the tributes. The Duchess of Sussex then stepped forward to plant her own poppy while the Duchess of Cornwall’s cross was placed for her. The Last Post was played as part of the short service of commemoration.
Embed from Getty ImagesHarry and Meghan then met many of the veterans attending the event as well as serving military personnel and supporters of the Royal British Legion.
This is the seventh year that the Duke of Sussex has attended the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey. For several years, Prince Harry visited to pay tribute alongside his grandfather, the Duke of Edinburgh. It’s the first time that Meghan has attended this special event.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Fields of Remembrance trace their roots back to 1928 when the Poppy Factory took a group of veterans to the grounds of St. Margaret’s Church at Westminster. There, they planted a few poppies around a wooden cross. The tradition caught the public imagination and now Fields of Remembrance are held across the country including in Belfast, Cardiff and Gateshead.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe whole Royal Family will continue to pay tribute over Remembrance weekend. On Saturday, the Queen will lead them at the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall. On Remembrance Sunday, Her Majesty will oversee the ceremony at the Cenotaph from a balcony overlooking the monument. Her wreath, given on behalf of the nation, will be laid by the Prince of Wales.
