Royal Tribute to Fallen Heroes
Princess Anne appeared solemn and reflective as she paid her respects to fallen servicemen and women at Sydney's Anzac Memorial on Sunday. The Princess Royal, 75, began the second day of her Australian visit with a special commemorative service in the Hall of Remembrance, just days before November 11's Remembrance Day observances.
Hundreds of well-wishers gathered outside the memorial, hoping to catch a glimpse of Queen Elizabeth's daughter as she arrived at the building. The royal visited Australia in her official capacity as Colonel-in-Chief of the Royal Australian Corps of Signals, a position she has held since 1977.
Elegant Appearance and Symbolic Gestures
Princess Anne, who arrived in Australia on Saturday, presented an effortlessly elegant figure wearing a white collared jacket paired with a long black skirt. She completed her ensemble with pointed kitten heels and gloves, maintaining her signature sophisticated updo hairstyle.
The royal accessorised with meaningful symbols of remembrance, including a red poppy - the global emblem of respect for armed forces communities - and a golden wreath brooch. She carried a clutch bag under her arm as she was greeted by veterans and dignitaries including New South Wales Governor Margaret Beazley, Governor-General Sam Mostyn and Chief of Army Lieutenant General Simon Stuart.
Inside the memorial hall, Princess Anne performed the solemn duty of laying a wreath to honour those who sacrificed their lives in wars and conflicts throughout history. She also delivered a remembrance reading during the emotional service.
Military Celebrations and Centenary Parade
Following the memorial service, the Princess Royal travelled to Victoria Barracks in Sydney, where she attended a parade marking the Centenary of the Royal Australian Corps of Signals. For this occasion, she appeared smart and polished wearing an Australian army uniform complete with medals, standing alongside her husband, Sir Timothy Laurence.
The former navy officer looked dapper in a suit and tie, also sporting a red poppy and his golden medallions. Princess Anne inspected Australian guards and shared smiles while conversing with both junior and senior members of the armed forces.
Later, she attended a garden party with 900 military guests in the Victoria Barracks grounds, where she delivered a speech acknowledging the significant milestone. "One hundred years of service, innovation and dedication is a remarkable milestone, and it is indeed a privilege, as your colonel in chief, to share in this occasion," Anne stated.
She emphasised the corps' vital role "in every theatre of operations where our defence force has served, from the trenches of the First World War to modern operations across the globe." The Princess Royal noted that their work "has enabled communications, co-ordination and connectivity, often under the most challenging circumstances."
She referenced the Latin corps motto, Certa Cito - meaning swift and sure - as reflecting the force's "professionalism, speed and reliability."
Continuing Australian Tour
The Princess Royal's engagements continue on Monday with a journey to Canberra, where she will participate in additional events related to the Corps' centenary, including attending a commemorative parade.
The final day of the Australian royal tour on November 11 will see Princess Anne and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence travel to Brisbane. At midday, she will attend a Remembrance Day Service and Capability Demonstration, followed by laying a wreath at Gallipoli Barracks to commemorate Armistice Day at the 7 Combat Signal Regiment Memorial.
After departing Australia, the royal couple will travel to Singapore for a two-day visit from November 12 to 13, marking 60 years of diplomatic relations between the UK and Singapore. During this visit, Anne is scheduled to meet the Singaporean president and prime minister, and visit the Kranji War Memorial, the Airbus Asia Training Centre and Rolls-Royce's Seletar campus.
This Australian visit marks Princess Anne's first return since her previous trips in 2022 and 2023, demonstrating her ongoing commitment to her role as Colonel-in-Chief and her dedication to honouring military service personnel.
