Anzac Day 2023: Royal Family pays respects to Australian and New Zealand forces

The Royal Family has paid their respects to the Australian and New Zealand servicemen and women who served and died in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.

The Royals shared a series of photos on Twitter of King Charles III and his wife Camilla, the Queen Consort, attending several Anzac Day services over the years.

In one photo, a sombre King Charles lays a wreath at the foot of a war statue, while in another photo the pair of bright red poppies are attached to a large memorial wall.

“This Anzac Day we pay tribute to all the men and women in the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps who served and died in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations,” the tweet reads.

The Royals tweeted a series of photos of King Charles III and Camilla, the Queen Consort, attending several Anzac Day services over the years

King Charles III began his military career at the age of 23 in the Royal Air Force and in 1971 trained as a jet fighter pilot at RAF College, Cranwell.

The monarch later began active duty on the guided missile destroyer HMS Norfolk and later trained as a helicopter pilot.

Before becoming the head of the British armed forces, King Charles rose through all three branches of the armed forces.

In 2006, the monarch was promoted to Admiral in the Royal Navy, General in the Army and Air Chief Marshal in the Royal Air Force.

On ascending the throne, Charles has become head of the British armed forces.

Anzac Day has been commemorated in London since the first anniversary of the Anzac landings, when King George V attended a service at Westminster Abbey.

In one photo, a sombre King Charles lays a wreath at the base of a war statue, while in another photo the pair of bright red poppies are attached to a large memorial wall

Since then, the services have become an important moment for thousands of expats and visiting New Zealanders and Australians.

Last September, King Charles wrote a heartfelt letter expressing his deep gratitude and appreciation to Australian troops for their bravery during the 70-year reign of his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II.

The letter was addressed to the Chief of the Australian Defense Force on Buckingham Palace letterhead and was sent five weeks after Her Majesty’s death.

“On the occasion of my accession to sovereignty, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all who serve in the Australian Defense Force for the unwavering loyalty and professionalism you have shown during the reign of my beloved mother,” King Charles’s message begins. .

“I know the Queen took the utmost pride in the way Australian servicemen and women carried out their duties in many parts of the world and often under the most trying and difficult circumstances.”

Anzac Day has been commemorated in London since the first anniversary of the Anzac landings, when King George V attended a service at Westminster Abbey

The letter ends with King Charles sharing his late mother’s high respect for the bravery and dedication of the Australian troops.

“I know for my part that you will continue to serve your country with the dedication and courage you have shown with such success over the years.”

It comes as thousands of Australians head to pubs across the country to sink beer and play a traditional game of two as Anzac Day commemorations get underway.

Earlier in the day, Australians gathered in the chilly dawn for public ceremonies, where the Last Post was heard and wreaths were laid.

Tuesday marks the 108th anniversary of the landings on Gallipoli. More than 50,000 Australians served during the eight-month campaign; more than 8,700 were killed, while 18,000 were injured.