Harry’s tribute to war dead at Abbey
PRINCE Harry saluted Britain’s war dead at a ceremony to open Westminster Abbey’s Field of Remembrance yesterday.
The prince was joined by Chelsea Pensioners for the annual tribute which this year marks its 90th anniversary.
One veteran wiped away tears as he looked at some of the 370 plots marked by wooden crosses representing regiments and other military organisations.
The Duke of Sussex said he would like to include a symbol of India in his wreath at the Cenotaph on Sunday to honour its sacrifice in the First World War.
But he added that the gesture would not please everyone, as India uses marigolds rather than poppies to salute their war heroes.
During the service Suraj Samant, 23, from the Hindu Council UK, handed the Duke a single bloom.
Mr Samant told how Prince Charles and Prince William had laid a wreath of marigolds at India Gate at New Delhi.
“I thought it was poignant to also offer His Royal Highness a marigold,” he said.
About 1.3 million Indian servicemen fought and 74,000 died in the Great War.
Mr Samant said Harry told him that “he’d add a couple of marigolds into his wreath if he had the choice”.
Harry also met the mascot of Staffordshire Regiments, Colour Sergeant Watchman V, a Staffordshire bull terrier.