Princess Kate and Princess Anne are set to honour the contributions of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) at upcoming commemorative services on Saturday, April 25. This year marks a significant observance, as they participate in the annual Anzac Day ceremonies dedicated to recognising the sacrifices made by servicemen and women from both nations.
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The preparations were formally announced by Buckingham Palace on April 15. Princess Anne, aged 75, will kick off the day’s events with an early morning service at the Wellington Arch, located at Hyde Park Corner. Following this, Princess Kate, aged 44, will take part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Cenotaph war memorial, accompanied by a parade and concluding with the Service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey.
As part of her duties, the Princess of Wales is expected to lay a wreath on behalf of King Charles at the Cenotaph. This poignant moment is an emotional tribute to those who have perished in conflict over the years. The Westminster Abbey service will feature readings delivered by the High Commissioners from both New Zealand and Australia, alongside prayers recited by children from each country. Additionally, attendees can look forward to a performance of a Māori waiata, adding a cultural dimension to the remembrance activities.
The British royal family maintains a tradition of attending Anzac Day services, highlighting the special relationship shared with Australia and New Zealand within the Commonwealth. Last year, Prince William commemorated the day by laying a wreath during the Dawn Service at the Wellington Arch and signing the book of remembrance. The previous year, he and Princess Kate participated together in the Westminster Abbey service, demonstrating their ongoing commitment to honouring those who served.
In 2021, Princess Anne represented the royal family at the Westminster Abbey service after the event was unfortunately cancelled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Such regular attendance reflects the royals’ intent to pay respects and uphold the traditions linked with ANZAC Day.
Interestingly, the announcement of the royal family’s involvement in this year’s events coincides with the ongoing visit of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to Australia and New Zealand. The couple, who stepped back from royal duties in early 2020, arrived in Melbourne on April 14, marking their first return to the country since their official royal tour in 2018. Their current trip is privately funded and unrelated to their previous royal responsibilities.
Throughout their time in Australia, Harry and Meghan have engaged in a series of activities, including public and private events. These have included meetings with families of veterans at the Australian National Veterans’ Art Museum, conversations centred around mental health and fatherhood, and Meghan’s surprise appearance as a guest judge on MasterChef Australia.
As Prince Harry and Meghan’s visit unfolds, it further showcases the dual dynamics of the royal family: the established responsibilities of senior royals like Princess Kate and Princess Anne, juxtaposed with the independent pursuits of the couple who have chosen a different path.
With Anzac Day rapidly approaching, the preparations for the royal attendees reaffirm the importance of remembrance in British, Australian, and New Zealand cultures. The high-profile participation of the royals serves not only to honour those who have made the ultimate sacrifice but also strengthens the ties that bind these nations together in friendship and remembrance.
As the ceremonies unfold, both residents and visitors in the United Kingdom can anticipate a powerful demonstration of respect and collective memory, reinforced by the involvement of the royal family in commemorating this important occasion. Events such as these facilitate a vital conversation around sacrifice, service, and gratitude, ensuring that the legacy of the ANZACs is neither forgotten nor overlooked.