It was an early start for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle - the couple honoured Australia and New Zealand's war dead at the Dawn Service at Wellington Arch.
Anzac Day has been commemorated in London since the first anniversary of the Anzac landings at Gallipoli in 1916, when King George V attended a service at Westminster Abbey and more than 2,000 Australian and New Zealand troops marched through the streets. Since then, the services have become an important moment to recognise the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps who died during the landings.
Anzac Day, April 25, is a national day of remembrance for Australia and New Zealand. It is commemorated as a public holiday in both countries with memorial ceremonies held at various locations.
Members of the public ahead of the service.
It is the first of two services for the couple today; at midday they will attend the Service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey. Richard Palmer reports the couple will be joined by Prince William.
A video from Simon Perry.
#HarryAndMeghan at the sombre #ANZAC2018 dawn service in London honouring Australian and New Zealand armed forces pic.twitter.com/lLrLcDMxbs— Simon Perry (@SPerryPeoplemag) April 25, 2018
The service included readings, the Last Post, silence, reveille and national anthems.
Abide With Me.
Abide With Me pic.twitter.com/X5bhouTcI4— Richard Palmer (@RoyalReporter) April 25, 2018
Commemoration events are an important part of royal working life - we can expect to see Meghan and Harry attend them frequently in the coming years.
A video from the memorial.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have laid a wreath at the Australian War Memorial in London, to mark Anzac Day. #AnzacDay #7News pic.twitter.com/fc2vtNBIsW— 7 News Sydney (@7NewsSydney) April 25, 2018
Harry and Meghan signed the book of remembrance.
Prince Charles delivered an address honouring Australian soldiers at the Dawn Service in Villers-Bretonneux in France.
Prince Charles delivers an address honouring Australian soldiers at the Dawn Service in Villers-Bretonneux in France.— Sky News Australia (@SkyNewsAust) April 25, 2018
MORE: https://t.co/vNnZDvihUz #AnzacDay2018 pic.twitter.com/NSEGdJ1W2Q
'The couple met Te Ataraiti Waretini from Ngati Ranana, the London Maori Club, with a ritual known as a hongi. This is when visitors press their noses to those of their hosts and breathe together.
The leader of the cultural group said: “(Meghan) was amazing. I’m not sure if it’s her first time at a Maori ceremony but she did very very well. “It was really lovely to meet her and share the breath of life and share our culture with her and Harry.”
Meghan wore the long grey military style Smythe Pagoda Jacket, from the Fall 2018 collection (with thanks to Meghan's Mirror).
Meghan chose a black floppy hat.
Meghan wore her Sarah Flint Jay pumps.
She carried the Gucci Dionysus Velvet Mini Chain Shoulder Bag.
And of course, wore a poppy on her lapel.
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We also have two Royal Wedding updates to share with you this morning. Yesterday, Kensington Palace released details about Harry and Meghan's music choices for the service at St George's Chapel. "Both Prince Harry and Ms. Markle have taken a great deal of interest and care in choosing the music for their Service, which will include a number of well-known hymns and choral works."
The music will be under the direction of James Vivian, Director of Music, St George’s Chapel. Mr. Vivian said: "The Choristers, Lay Clerks, Organists and I are very much looking forward to this exciting day and are pleased to be performing at the service music chosen by the couple. We are also looking forward to welcoming to St George’s musical colleagues from near and far who will be performing at this very special and joyful occasion."
The Choir of St George's Chapel:
'Conducted by James Vivian, the Choir of St George’s Chapel comprises up to 23 boy choristers from St George’s School and twelve Lay Clerks singing alto, tenor and bass. The Choir, which was founded in 1348, can be heard in venues throughout Europe in addition to its liturgical schedule of eight services per week in St George’s Chapel. Its repertoire draws on music from all ages.'
19-year-old cellist, Sheku Kanneh-Mason won BBC Young Musician 2016, made his BBC Proms debut the following year, and released his debut album, ‘Inspiration’, earlier this year. Sheku is a student at the Royal Academy of Music and combines his studies there with a busy international concert career. Sheku Kanneh-Mason said: “I’m so excited and honoured to perform at Prince Harry and Ms. Meghan Markle’s wedding. I was bowled over when Ms. Markle called me to ask if I would play during the ceremony, and of course I immediately said yes! What a privilege to be able to play the cello at such a wonderful event. I can’t wait!”
Founded and directed by gospel conductor Karen Gibson, The Kingdom Choir is a Christian gospel group based in the South-East of England. The Choir is made up of a group of British artists dedicated to creating a sound that demonstrates the community they share, and has been performing both nationally and internationally for over 20 years. Over this time, the choir has become known for its united sound, warm energy and enthusiastic performance. Karen Gibson said: "The Kingdom Choir is truly honoured to be invited to sing at the wedding of Prince Harry and Ms. Markle, and very excited to be taking part in such a historic moment. It will be a moment that we will always treasure, and we’d like to take the opportunity to wish the couple all the very best for their coming union."
The Orchestra, conducted by Christopher Warren-Green, will be made up of musicians from the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, the English Chamber Orchestra and the Philharmonia.
Elin Manahan Thomas will join the orchestra. Ms Thomas is a Welsh soprano, best known for her performances of Baroque masterpieces, alongside classical and contemporary works.
The trumpet will be played by David Blackadder, who will join the Orchestra. Mr. Blackadder is the principal trumpet with both the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment and the Academy of Ancient Music, and is a specialist in music of the Baroque.
It was also confirmed the wedding will be televised and broadcast all over the world. ITV will front Royal Wedding coverage for the UK. More from the press release:
'On the day itself, Saturday May 19th, ITV will broadcast live, comprehensive coverage of the Royal Wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, presented by ITV News at Ten’s Julie Etchingham and ITV’s Phillip Schofield, anchored live from a specially constructed studio on The Long Walk in Windsor. Harry and Meghan – The Royal Wedding will be on air from 9.25am until 3pm, with Julie and Phillip joined by a range of guests including those who know Prince Harry and Meghan, as well as friends of the Royal family.
Joining Julie and Phillip for live coverage of the day will be a range of ITV’s news presenters and reporters. Mary Nightingale will be positioned at Windsor Castle spotting and interviewing guests as they arrive, accompanied by a line-up of fashion experts and Royal commentators.
Rageh Omaar will exclusively join Sentebale, the charity co-founded by Prince Harry, for traditional wedding day celebrations in Lesotho. Rageh will be live from the ‘Mamohato Children’s Centre where he will be joined by beneficiaries and staff many of whom have met and been supported by Prince Harry during his numerous visits to the country.'
James Mates will lead live commentary of the service from inside St George’s Chapel.'
We'll see you at 12 for the Westminster Abbey service.