Duchess of Edinburgh steps in for the King following his emotional tribute to fallen heroes
Duchess Sophie of Edinburgh represented King Charles III and the Royal Family at the Anzac Day dawn service held at the Australian War Memorial in Hyde Park Corner, London.
Wearing a solemn black outfit, Sophie appeared visibly emotional as she laid a wreath in honour of Australian and New Zealand forces who served and died in wars. She was accompanied by Stephen Smith, Australia's High Commissioner, and Chris Seed, acting High Commissioner for New Zealand, during the poignant ceremony on Friday morning.
The annual service marks the sacrifices made during the Gallipoli campaign and broader conflicts, and this year’s commemorations are particularly significant, coinciding with the 110th anniversary of the first landings at Gallipoli in 1915.
Following her appearance at Hyde Park Corner, the Duchess is also expected to attend a wreath-laying ceremony at the Cenotaph later in the day, continuing the Royal Family’s presence at these important tributes.
Ahead of Anzac Day, King Charles issued a heartfelt statement, paying tribute to “all Australians and New Zealanders who have served and died in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations.”
In addition to Duchess Sophie’s service in London, the King also dispatched Princess Anne to Turkey for a two-day visit, where she delivered the monarch’s message at key commemorative events honouring the sacrifices at Gallipoli.
