Harry & Philip open Westminster Abbey’s Field of Remembrance

This morning, The Duke of Edinburgh and Prince Harry opened the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey, ahead of Remembrance Sunday.

The grandfather and grandson arrived shortly before 11am to lay wreaths in the area around the abbey, which has opened up to the public each year for 89 years.

Harry and Philip at Westminster Abbey's Field of Remembrance today. I-images

Harry and Philip at Westminster Abbey’s Field of Remembrance today. I-images

The crosses were put upon a large cross made from poppies, in front of two wooden crosses from the graves of unknown British soldiers from the First and Second World Wars; the small Royal tokens of remembrance bore poppies with the pair’s respective monograms.

Guests stood to attention as the Last Post played, followed by a 2 minutes’ silence.

Prince Philip, 94, wore his naval ceremonial uniform, while Harry, 31, was sporting his Blues and Royals frock coat, a black tunic with ruffles on the front and embroidery on the arms. The Royal duo opened the field together last year, and attended the Rugby World Cup with Prince William at the weekend.

Westminster Abbey’s Field of Remembrance began in 1928, a decade after the end of WWI. Just two crosses were placed there in its first year, now the public come in their droves to remember the fallen with a cross.

Prince Harry and The Duke of Edinburgh open the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey. Picture by Andrew Parsons / i-Images

Prince Harry and The Duke of Edinburgh open the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey. Picture by Andrew Parsons / i-Images

The Prince and his grandfather then walked around plots containing more than 100,000 crosses, and chatted to veterans and families of those who had lost loved ones.

This is the first remembrance Harry will take part in outside of the army for a long time, having left the forces this spring after a decade of service.

Harry served two tours of Afghanistan, losing members of his regiment. The Duke served in WWII, receiving the Greek medal for valour.

This Sunday, The Queen will be joined by The King of the Netherlands, Willem-Alexander, at the Cenotaph to lay a wreath to mark the 70th year since the liberation of Holland from German troops at the end of WWII.

Queen Maxima will join The Duchess of Cambridge and Countess of Wessex on the Foreign Office balcony to watch the service. The Royals will file out onto the Cenotaphy just before 11am, when a silence will be held; it will be broadcast on the BBC.

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