Princess Anne joins veterans at a service to mark those who fought in the Falklands war
Princess Anne joins veterans at a service to remember those who fought in the Falklands War – after it emerged Prince Andrew’s aides were ‘blindsided’ by his statement about his experience in the conflict
Princess Anne joined veterans at service for Falklands War’s 40th anniversaryPrincess Royal, 71, arrived at St Paul’s Cathedral alongside Sir Tim Laurence, 67 The couple joined families to pay their respects to those who had died in war
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The Princess Royal has joined veterans at a service to remember those who fought or died in the Falklands War, and to mark the conflict’s 40th anniversary.
The Falkland Islands Government organised the service of reflection and remembrance in St Faith’s Chapel at St Paul’s Cathedral on Tuesday.
Anne, 71, and her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, 67, joined families to pay their respects before laying wreaths at the South Atlantic Task Force Memorial inside the cathedral.
Many guests wore medals from their time of service.
Her appearance comes as Prince Andrew’s aides said they were ‘blindsided’ by his now-deleted Falklands War statement that was signed off as ‘HRH’ – despite Buckingham Palace saying the disgraced duke would no longer use the title.
The Princess Royal has joined veterans at a service to remember those who fought or died in the Falklands War, and to mark the conflict’s 40th anniversary at St Paul’s Cathedral today
The Princess Royal and her husband were both in naval uniforms, with Anne donning her medals and her hat.
Her hair was swept up into a neat bun, revealing a very discreet pair of pearl earrings.
The Queen’s daughter, who has held the appointment of Chief Commandant of the Women’s Royal Naval Service since 1974, looked sombre during today’s commemorative event.
She lent a compassionate ear to the families of the loved ones and the veterans who were in attendance.
Wearing their naval uniform, Princess Anne and her husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, 67, shook hands with the church’s religious staff
During Anne and Sir Tim Laurence’s visit, readings were given by veterans and widows, including Jay Morgan Hyrons, whose husband Lance Corporal Gary Bingley died in the war.
Jay told guests: ‘My husband Gary left our shores on [April 26] 1982, by [May 28], I had become a Falklands widow.
‘Our men either returned safe to our shores to be reunited with their loved ones or were separated from us forever.
‘Reunited or separated for life, each Task Force family paid a price. Those seventy-four days remain forever etched into our memories.’
Her appearance comes as Prince Andrew’s aides said they were ‘blindsided’ by his now-deleted Falklands War statement that was signed off as ‘HRH’ – despite Buckingham Palace saying the disgraced duke would no longer use the title
A member of the South Atlantic Task Force, Steve Regolo, recounted his experience of the war, describing the feelings of hope and fear they faced.
‘My Falklands had just become real. Deafening Klaxons sounding throughout the ship,’ he said.
‘The thoughts of leaving home on [April 5] still remain etched on my mind.
‘To this day, I still praise the decision-making, the sacrifices made, and the strength I gained from my fellow shipmates.’
The Princess Royal and the other people in attendance marked a minute of silence to remember those who lost their lives in the conflict
Two minutes of silence was held, and Jonathan Clark, Bishop for the Falkland Islands, gave a speech in which he thanked ‘those who worked, served and died’.
Princess Anne’s appearance at the event comes days after her brother The Duke of York, 62, wrote more than 700 words about his experience in the Falklands in posts on his ex-wife’s Instagram account on Saturday – before they were hurriedly taken down.
Andrew flew missions as a Sea King helicopter pilot during the conflict and recalled being shot at.
Members of the church welcomed the Princess Royal and Sir Tim at St Faith’s chapel ahead of the event today
But Buckingham Palace and the duke’s aides were unaware he had published the posts, it has now been claimed.
The musings were initially signed off as ‘written by HRH The Duke of York’, despite the Queen having stripped Andrew of his honorary military titles in January following the dramatic fallout from his civil sex case.
At the time, a royal source said Andrew, who was born a HRH, would no longer use it in any official capacity.
The ‘HRH’ was removed from the posts, before the reflection was deleted in its entirety two hours later.
