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King Charles III

The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall mark Battle of Britain anniversary

The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall attended a Service of Thanksgiving and Rededication Service on the 81st anniversary of the Battle of Britain on Sunday.

The royals were joined by UK politicians and dignitaries for the service at Westminster Abbey. They were presented upon arrival at the Abbey to the Canon Steward, the Deputy Receiver General, the High Steward, the High Bailiff, the Chief of the Air Staff, and the Chaplain in Chief.

Prince Charles attended in his capacity as patron of the Battle of Britain Fighter Association, a position he’s held since 2003.

The Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, said in his Bidding:

“Once again, we come together on Battle of Britain Sunday in this House of Kings and House of Prayer to give thanks for the dedication and heroism of members of the Royal Air Force and the allied air forces in that remarkable struggle for air supremacy over Britain in October 1940. Their courage marked a turning point in the war, for, without their bravery, it is hard to see how the Second World War could have been won.

“As we reflect today on their gallantry and fortitude, we remember all who have served and still serve in the Royal Air Force. We honour all who fight in the service of freedom; we express penitence for the suffering and destruction caused by armed conflicts; and we renew our commitment to work for justice, freedom, and decency.”

The Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, at the Battle of Britain 81st anniversary service of thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey. Picture by i-Images / Pool

The royals met with members of the clergy before departing Westminster Abbey.

Following the service, a Spitfire and a Hurricane completed a flypast of Westminster Abbey. Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall watched at Church House and then met with RAF Cadets and officers from RAF Halton at Bishop Partridge Hall. They then attended a reception at the Assembly Hall.

Prince Charles and Camilla also met with the families and widows of Battle of Britain veterans at the reception.

The Battle of Britain was an important battle of the Second World War and marked the first time a major campaign was fought entirely in the skies. In an operation involving soldiers from many countries, 2,334 British soldiers took part and sadly, 544 lost their lives.

Westminster Abbey has commemorated those RAF soldiers in a stained-glass memorial window in the RAF Chapel, at the east end of the Abbey. It was unveiled by King George VI in 1947.

About author

Jess Ilse is the Assistant Editor at Royal Central. She specialises in the British, Danish, Norwegian and Swedish Royal Families and has been following royalty since Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee. Jess has provided commentary for media outlets in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Jess works in communications and her debut novel THE MAJESTIC SISTERS will publish in Fall 2024.