Remembering at Liege - World War One, 1914 - 2014

One hundred years ago today, their ancestors were involved in the frantic talks that went on as Europe spiralled into war.  A century on, they stood to remember as the world marked the centenary of a conflict that changed the world forever.  King Philippe of the Belgians with his consort, Queen Mathilde, led the remembrance at Liege today as the world stopped to commemorate those lost in World War One.

King Philippe of the Belgians speaks at a ceremony at Liege marking the centenary of World War One on August 4th 2014

The king and queen greeted heads of state and their representatives at the Abbaye Saint Laurent this morning - President Francois Hollande of France, President Joachim Gauck of Germany and President Michael D Higgins of the Republic of Ireland joined the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and King Felipe VI as well as the Hereditary Duke of Luxembourg for the ceremony.

The King and Queen of the Belgians welcome the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to Liege for commemorations marking the 100th anniversary of the start of World War One

The leaders led wreaths during the ceremony and King Philippe, the Duke of Cambridge and the presidents of France and Germany all made speeches.  Those taking part then made their way to the Town Hall in Liege for a reception, a fly past by the Red Arrows and a balcony appearance as the commemorations continued through the day.

President Francois Hollande of France speaking at the Town Hall in Liege during commemorations on August 4th 2014

The royals who gathered in Liege today are mostly figureheads, men and women who take on a role that is more public and more public relations than it has ever been.  They are the heirs of people who felt the responsibility of statehood on their shoulders and who would have been aware of every moment of the days that led to the start of the war.  Their successors marked this massive moment in history today, aware of the parts their ancestors played on those fateful days of August 1914. And just as aware, as we all are, of the part millions of men and women across Europe played.  No one could have known that day what the war would bring, how it would change lives and countries and history.  We are aware now - and join those who stood in state today in remembering.