The Duchess of Gloucester has led royal commemorations at the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey. For almost a century, simple wooden crosses bearing a single poppy each have been planted at the church to remember those lost in conflict. It's an important royal tribute at the start of the period of Remembrance.
The gentle carpet of red flowers and crosses, remembering those who have lost their lives, was first laid at Westminster in 1928 with just two memorials - one for Field Marshal Douglas Haig who had died earlier that year and the other for 'Tommy Atkins', the nickname for every ordinary soldier in the Army. Today, there are plots for regiments with the chance to plant a cross, most often bearing the name of a member of the military who has died while in action, in these special places by St Margaret's Church next to the Abbey in Westminster.
This year, the Duchess of Gloucester planted the cross from the Royal Family. The Duchess was there in place of Queen Camilla who was unable to take part after developing a chest infection and being told to rest.
There was a royal welcome for a special guest at the Field of Remembrance
For many years, it was the Queen Mother who led the royal tributes at this most poignant of memorials. Prince Philip took the lead in the early 21st century with the Duke of Sussex also taking part. Queen Camilla has made the tribute one of the main moments of her commemorations for several years now.
The Duchess of Gloucester bows her head in remembrance
The Field opened on November 8th and will remain until November 17th, allowing thousands to plant crosses in remembrance.
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