The King has issued a message to Australian and New Zealand Veterans of the Second World War, where he has thanked Veterans for their ‘selfless service’.
The message was sent to mark Anzac Day, a national day of remembrance in Australia, New Zealand and Tonga, which commemorates those who served and were killed in action. The annual anniversary falls on 25th April, coinciding with the Gallipoli landings – a series of landings conducted by Allied forces on the Gallipoli Peninsula in Ottoman Turkey.
Opening his message, Charles notes how ‘it is with great admiration’ in ‘approaching the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War’ that he is writing to thank the Veterans for their ‘selfless service in those most difficult and dangerous times’.
‘The passing of the years has in no way diminished the courageous deeds of those who sacrificed so much in the line of duty and in the pursuit of peace, freedom and justice’.
‘For many years now, you have carried the memory of that dreadful conflict, and the weight of grief for others who fell in your country’s service. I am always deeply touched when I hear of the love and pride veterans feel for their fallen comrades and family members, and that there are few days in which they do not think of them. I know that it is no small burden to bear that the final resting places of the fallen are often so far from home.’
‘We must, every one of us, remain vigilant in upholding the values for which you fought so gallantly over eighty years ago. Like others of my generation, I owe my peaceful childhood to the steadfast efforts of those of your comrades, with yourselves, in overcoming tyranny. For this I feel the most profound gratitude.’
Image Licensed to i-Images Picture Agency. 14/04/2023. Sandhurst , United Kingdom. King Charles III at the 200th Sovereigns Parade at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst , United Kingdom. Picture by Stephen Lock / i-Images
His Majesty concluded his message by highlighting that as ‘we commemorate the 110th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings’, he wanted to ‘pay a special tribute to Australian and New Zealand veterans, and those who are on active service today. Through the generations, you have continued to enact the indomitable spirit of Anzac – forged in terrible conflict and preserved in peace – of courage, mateship and sacrifice’.
‘It is my fervent hope that the years have brought you to a place of peace, and that peace shall remain with you always’.
Charles, as Prince of Wales, marked Anzac Day on a number of occasions either through messages or engagements. In 2018, Charles attended early-morning commemorations, to remember the allied troops who died at the Battle of Villers-Bretonneux during the First World War; he was joined by the French and Australian Prime Ministers.
