Prince William lays wreath at Australia Memorial as he pays tribute to fallen soldiers on Anzac Day
Prince William paid tribute to fallen soldiers who made the 'ultimate sacrifice' as he laid a wreath at the Australia memorial for Anzac Day.
The Prince of Wales, 40, attended a service at Hyde Park Corner in the early hours of this morning.
The father-of-three looked pensive as he joined representatives from the Australian and New Zealand forces for the poignant 5am ceremony.
Around 8,700 Australians died during the 1915 Gallipoli campaign, where 75,000 Anzac troops fought in perilous conditions for eight months.
Anzac Day has been commemorated in London since the first anniversary of the Anzac landings at Gallipoli, when King George V attended a service at Westminster Abbey.
Prince William lays a wreath at the Australia Memorial in Hyde Park Corner in London
Since then, the services have become an important moment for thousands of expatriates and visiting New Zealanders and Australians.
As part of the proceedings, Prince William laid a commemorative wreath on the Australian War Memorial in Hyde Park.
He then attached a hand-written message on the wreath to make a personal tribute to Australian and New Zealand Army Corps soldiers who died fighting in the Gallipoli campaign from 1915-1916.
The royal wrote: 'In memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.'
After laying the wreath, Prince William bowed his head and took a moment of silence to remember the fallen.
By end of the First World War, more than 215,500 Australian soldiers had been killed in combat, while the New Zealand forces also lost over 58,500 men.
Last night, King Charles and Camilla posted on social media: 'This Anzac Day, we pay tribute to all the men and women in the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, who served and died in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.'
The royal father-of-three writes a personal message to attach to his wreath at the dawn service
William's personal message read: 'In memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.'
The wreath was covered in red poppies as a tribute to the soldiers and featured a red ribbon across the front
Prince William pictured laying the wreath ahead of the memorial service at Westminster Abbey this afternoon
After laying the wreath, Prince William bowed his head and took a moment of silence to remember the fallen soldiers
Later today, the Prince of Wales will attend the annual Anzac Day service at Westminster Abbey.
The traditional church service will feature an address by the Dean of Westminster, readings from the New Zealand and Australian high commissioners, prayers read by children of each country and a Maori waiata performance.
In Australia, events have been held across the country honouring men and women who served in past conflicts and those serving today.
At the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese led tributes. 'Every Anzac Day, from the greatest memorial to the simplest cenotaph, we honour all who have served in our name, and all who serve today,' he said.
'It is a collective act of remembrance, reflection and gratitude – one carried out by multiple generations of Australians and devoted to multiple generations.'
Prince William was joined by representatives from the Australian and New Zealand forces this morning
Prince William looked pensive as he listened to the memorial service at Hyde Park Corner this morning
The Prince of Wales attended the poignant service at the Australia War memorial in Hyde Park today
Prince William's appearance came as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were pictured for the first time together at a Lakers game in LA after it was announced the Duchess of Sussex wouldn't be attending the Coronation next month
Last year, Prince William laid a wreath for the Anzac Day ceremony on behalf of The Queen - who was unable to attend due to ill health.
Prince William's early morning appearance came as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were pictured together for the first time since it was announced Meghan will not be attending the Coronation next month.
Last night, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex took their Archewell staff to watch the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA playoffs.
The royal couple were all smiles in a box at the Crypto.com Arena, where they appeared on the jumbotron at the stadium in downtown LA.
Thousands began clapping and cheering, encouraging them to kiss on the sreen. Harry then appeared to lean in but his wife laughed and grabbed his arm.
Source: Daily Mail
