Prince William paid tribute to fallen soldiers, who made the “ultimate sacrifice” when he laid a wreath at the memorial in Australia for Anzac Day.
The Prince of Wales, 40, attended a memorial 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 on the moving service at 5am.
Some 8,700 Australians were killed during the Gallipoli Campaign of 1915, where 75,000 Anzac soldiers fought in perilous conditions for eight months, in a battle that defined Australia’s national identity.
Anzac Day has been celebrated in London since the first anniversary of the ANZAC landings at Gallipoli when King George V attended services at Westminster Abbey.
Imagine Prince William holding the wreath he laid at the Australia Memorial in Hyde Park Corner in London
Since then, the services have become a defining moment for thousands of expats, New Zealanders and visiting Australians.
As part of the proceedings, Prince William laid a wreath at the Australian War Memorial in Hyde Park.
He then encloses a handwritten message on the wreath honoring the soldiers of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps who died fighting in the Gallipoli Campaign of 1915-1916.
The king 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 the end of World War I, more than 215,500 Australian soldiers had been killed in action. Meanwhile, the New Zealand forces also lost over 58,500 men.
Last night, King Charles and Camilla also celebrated Anzac Day with a post on Twitter.
Their statement read: “On this Anzac Day, we pay tribute to all the men and women of the Australian and New Zealand Corps, who have served and died in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.”
Portrait of the royal father of three writing a personal message to be attached to his wreath at dawn mass
William’s personal letter read: “In memory of those who have made the ultimate sacrifices for our freedom.”
The wreath was covered with red poppies in honor of the soldiers, and a red ribbon on the forehead
Picture Prince William laying a wreath before 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 in the day, the Prince of Wales will attend the annual Anzac Day service at Westminster Abbey.
A traditional church service at the abbey will feature an address by the Dean of Westminster, readings from the New Zealand and Australian High Commissioners, prayers read by the children of each country, and a performance of a Maori waita.
In Australia, events have been held in major cities, suburban centers and rural towns to honor the men and women who have served in past conflicts and those who serve today.
At the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese led the tribute on the 108th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings during World War I.
“Every Anzac Day, from the largest memorial to the simplest coffin, we honor all who have served in our name, and everyone who serves today,” he said.
“It is a collective act of remembrance, reflection and gratitude – one that has been done by multiple generations of Australians and dedicated to multiple generations.”
Prince William was joined by representatives of the Australian and New Zealand forces this morning
Prince William looked pensive as he listened to the eulogy at Hyde Park Corner this morning
The Prince of Wales laid a wreath at the Australian War Memorial in Hyde Park today
Prince William’s appearance came as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were photographed for the first time together at a Lakers game in Los Angeles after it was announced that the Duchess of Sussex will not attend next month’s coronation.
Last year, Prince William laid a wreath at the Anzac Day ceremony on behalf of the Queen – who was unable to attend due to ill health.
Prince William’s appearance came in the early morning as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were photographed together for the first time since it was announced that Meghan will not be attending the coronation ceremony next month.
Last night, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex took the Archwell crew to watch the Los Angeles Lakers defeat the Memphis Grizzlies in Game 4 of the NBA Playoffs.
The royal couple, who will not attend the coronation together next month, were smiling in a box at the Crypto.com Arena, as they popped on a jumbotron at the stadium in downtown Los Angeles.
Thousands started clapping, cheering and encouraging them to kiss. Then Harry seemed to lean on the sacrament but his wife laughed and took his arm instead of kneeling in front of the crowd. Then Harry pulled a comical grimace.
