Yesterday, The Duke of Edinburgh marked Anzac Day in London, to honour members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations.
Anzac Day has been marked in London since George V attended a service at Westminster Abbey in 1916, marking the one year anniversary of the landings at Gallipoli. More than 2,000 Australian and New Zealand troops marched through the streets on the day.
The Duke of Edinburgh and Senior Military Staff watch the ANZAC Dawn Service (UK MOD © Crown Copyright 2024)
On the 25th of April 1915, Australian and New Zealand soldiers formed part of the allied expedition that set out to capture the Gallipoli peninsula, Turkey. These men became known as Anzacs. They landed on Gallipoli and met fierce resistance from the Ottoman defenders, who were controlling the Dardanelles straits, the crucial route to the Black Sea and Russia.
However, the plan which was backed by Winston Churchill, then first lord of the admiralty, was flawed and the campaign led to a stalemate and withdrawal eight months later. Over 8,000 Australian soldiers were killed.
The Duke laid a wreath in remembrance at the New Zealand Memorial. (Royal Family)
The Duke began the Anzac Day commemorations by attending the Dawn Service at the New Zealand Memorial at Hyde Park Corner. Edward laid a wreath along with the High Commissioners from Australia and New Zealand.
Edward was joined by Australians, New Zealanders and military personnel who paid their respects in the early morning.
The Dawn Service included readings, the Last Post, a moment of silence, reveille and national anthems.
Prince Edward acted on behalf of The King at the attended the Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Cenotaph. (Royal Family).
He later attended the Service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey.
Acting on behalf of The King who has been undergoing treatment for a form of cancer and scaled back public facing duties, Prince Edward attended the Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Cenotaph and laid a wreath.
In addition, The Duke of Edinburgh attended the annual Gallipoli Association Wreath-Laying Ceremony, in the Crypt at St Paul’s Cathedral. His Royal Highness has become the new Patron of the Association, previously held by his late father, Prince Philip.
Earlier today on Anzac Day, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh laid a wreath at the Gallipoli memorial in our Crypt, remembering all those who served and all those who died during the Gallipoli campaign in the First World War.
📸 Graham Lacdao pic.twitter.com/QnSY8kTfV5
— St Paul’s Cathedral (@StPaulsLondon) April 25, 2024
The Gallipoli Memorial, which commemorates all those who took part in the Campaign, was unveiled on 28th November 1995 by Prince Philip, in the presence of eight surviving veterans.
Founded in 1969, the Association aims to raise awareness of the Campaign, to support the study of the legacy and lessons of the Campaign, and to ensure that all who served, and those that lost their lives, are not forgotten.
