Friday 13 March 2015

Royal remembrances for Afghanistan

The Queen has led members of the Royal Family at a service of commemoration for those who served in Afghanistan. The royals were among thousands gathered in St Paul's Cathedral today for the service which remembered the 453 British service personnel killed in the conflict and gave thanks for the safe return of thousands of others who served there over thirteen years.


The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh at the service for Afghanistan at St Paul's Cathedral on March 13th 2015

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh were joined by the Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry who served in Afghanistan himself.

 
The Duke of York, the Earl and Countess of Wessex and the Princess Royal with her husband, Timothy Laurence, were also present.

The Royal Family heard readings and joined in the hymns. At the start of the service they watched as the memorial cross from Camp Bastion was carried into the cathedral - it is made of brass shell casings. It was blessed and rededicated by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, who said it was a sign that love conquers death as well as being a memorial to those who lost their lives in Afghanistan.


As the ceremony came to an end, the Queen left with her husband and the couple held hands as they walked down the steps of St Pauls.


Other members of the Royal Family followed them and gathered on the steps of the cathedral.



 There was a flypast and then serving personnel and veterans took part in a parade through the City of London with Prince Charles taking the royal salute.  Later, the prince along with his wife and Prince Harry as well as the Duke of York attended a reception at the Guildhall for those who took part in the parade.


The moving and emotional service comes just months after the last British troops left Afghanistan.
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