The Princess Royal has rededicated the restored Guards Memorial at a ceremony in central London, marking 100 years since it was first unveiled to commemorate guardsmen who died in the First World War.
Anne, as Senior Colonel of the Household Division, received a royal salute and delivered an address to the parade. The rededication took place on Friday, emulating many elements of the original ceremony, including a parade and music from a pipe band and drums.
Each generation has a responsibility
In her address, the Princess Royal said: "As we gather here a century later, our foremost purpose remains to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
"We honour the officers, warrant officers, non-commissioned officers and men of the Guards division who lay down their lives in the service of King and country.
"This memorial stands as a lasting expression of our gratitude.
"Its significance has not diminished with the passage of time, rather each generation has a responsibility to understand the sacrifice it commemorates to ensure that it is never forgotten."
Meeting veterans and serving members
Anne, escorted by Major General James Bowder, met serving members of the Guards, cadets, Chelsea Pensioners and veterans. This included 100-year-old John Barber, who served with the Irish Guards from 1944 to 1948.
Barber said it was a great honour to be at the ceremony, and Anne thanked him for making the effort to be there. He told reporters afterwards that it was his second time meeting the Princess Royal.
The former serviceman, from Suffolk, said he had been stationed in Palestine in 1947, saying: "The thing that upsets me most about Palestine is that that's still going on." He said he now spends most days in his workshop making things like jewellery to keep his "mind active".
Centenary ceremony details
The ceremony also included a royal salute, prayers, inspection of troops, and playing of the National Anthem. Anne laid a wreath on the memorial alongside representatives of each Foot Guards regiment.
The Guards Memorial depicts five guardsmen in life-size bronze figures representing the Grenadier, Coldstream, Scots, Irish and Welsh Guards within the British Army's Household Division.
The original memorial, sculpted by Gilbert Ledward, was cast in bronze using captured German guns from the First World War. It was later updated with inscriptions to honour those who lost their lives in the Second World War.
When not protecting the King or taking part in royal ceremonial events, the Foot Guards are also fighting soldiers deployed on operations or training exercises around the world.
Lieutenant Colonel Charles Foinette, Brigade Major for the Household Division, said: "The bronze figures sculpted by Gilbert Ledward were cast from the very artillery that threatened our forebears a century ago.
"Standing here today connects the recruits of 2026 who face new threats in an uncertain world, directly to the 15,000 veterans who marched past this plinth in 1926.
"Their sense of duty and loyalty to the nation remains unbroken."
