Catherine, Princess of Wales, observed Anzac Day by laying a wreath at the Cenotaph in London, a solemn tribute to Commonwealth soldiers. The ceremony, held on Saturday morning, saw the Princess place the wreath at the foot of the national war memorial on Whitehall. A representative in New Zealand naval uniform presented the wreath to the Princess.
The Anzac Day commemorations included services across Australia, New Zealand, and Gallipoli, Turkey, with London events acknowledging the sacrifices of Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) personnel who died in conflict.
Later in the day, the Princess was scheduled to attend a service of commemoration and thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey.
Related Ceremonies
Earlier on Saturday, Princess Anne, also known as the Princess Royal, attended a dawn service at Wellington Arch in Hyde Park Corner. She laid a wreath at the Arch, a ceremony that featured a reading of John McCrae's poem "In Flanders Fields" and concluded with the national anthems of the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and Australia.
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Wider Context
Anzac Day commemorates the service of Australians and New Zealanders in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations. This year, the management of the London service was under the purview of the New Zealand High Commission, reflecting a long-standing practice where Australia and New Zealand alternate oversight. While honouring specific ANZAC contributions, the ceremonies drew participation from various Commonwealth nations. The Princess of Wales was observed wearing a navy coat with a poppy and made a solo appearance at the Cenotaph ceremony. High Commissioners Hamish Cooper (Australia) and Jay Weatherill (New Zealand) also laid wreaths.
