Prince William’s special message for ANZAC troops
The Duke of Cambridge has delivered a special message to commemorate the “Australians and New Zealanders killed in war and honouring returned servicemen and women” this April 25th.
To honour the solemn occasion, Prince William sent a message to the New Zealand and Australian High Commissions in London.
"This Anzac Day, Catherine and I join Australians and New Zealanders across the world to remember and honour the service men and women of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps," he said in the message.
"Today we stand together to reflect not only on their sacrifices, but also their courage, sense of duty, and their famously indomitable spirit.
"Though many will still be unable to come together in person this year, we are heartened in the knowledge that Australians and New Zealanders will continue to commemorate those who have given so much for our freedoms.
"The ANZAC qualities of endurance, courage, ingenuity, good humour and mateship are admired as fiercely as ever before. Lest we forget."
The Princess Royal also attended two ceremonies in representation of the royal family.
Anne laid a wreath at the Anzac Day Dawn Service at Wellington March on Sunday morning.
Later during the day, she and Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence attended the Anzac Day Service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey.
The Princess Royal donned a bright purple coat and matching hat for the day’s commemorations – a colour that despite its brightness, has been linked to mourning.
Former royal family’s maid Alicia Healey says the colour has a sombre meaning for the royal family.
"While the official period of Royal mourning for the Duke of Edinburgh is over, purple is often a colour that is worn after black when in mourning," Healey explained on her official Instagram account.
"So, it was an apt colour choice for today's remembrance service in honour of Australians and New Zealanders who have died in war.
Healey worked at Buckingham Palace from 2006-2010.
Queen Elizabeth did not make an official appearance for Anzac Day, as she mourns the loss of Prince Philip.
While the official mourning period for the royal family is over, the Queen is said to be coping well as her children take turns to spend time with the grieving Majesty.