The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Meghan and Harry take part in moving service
Dawn ceremony in London honours brave fallen of New Zealand and Australia
Meghan Markle appeared close to tears at a moving Anzac Day dawn service where fiancé Prince Harry honoured New Zealand and Australia’s war dead.
During the poignant event, Ms Markle looked emotional as the hymn Abide With Me was sung by thousands gathered at the New Zealand war memorial.
The American actress was making her first appearance at a service marking Anzac Day – April 25 – the anniversary of the start of the First World War Gallipoli landings, and a national day of remembrance for Australia and New Zealand.
Harry, a former army officer who served for 10 years in the forces, led the nation’s tribute to New Zealand and Australia’s war dead by laying a wreath during the service at one of a group of metal crosses near Wellington Arch in central London.
A handwritten note from the prince, attached to a wreath of red roses, read: “For all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in pursuit of our freedom. Thank you. Harry”
Ms Markle may not yet be a member of the royal family but she has attended a large number of official events in the run-up to her royal wedding on May 19.
The US actress and Harry were welcomed by Te Ataraiti Waretini from Ngati Ranana – the London Maori Club – with a traditional hongi, the soft pressing of noses and the sharing of each other’s breath.
There were other Maori cultural elements during the dawn service including a haka performed at the end, a longer version of the one displayed by the famous New Zealand rugby team, the All Blacks, before matches.
Ms Waretini said of Meghan: “She was amazing. I’m not sure if it’s her first time at a Maori ceremony but she did very, very well.”
Trevor Mallard, speaker of the New Zealand House of Representatives, gave the address during the dawn service and told the Kiwis and Aussies: “Today we remember 100 years have passed since the final year of the First World War. We honour the service of those who came half way around the world. Some with a deep conviction that they were fighting for king and empire, some fighting for peace and justice, others were young lads who saw an opportunity for
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We honour the service of those who came half way around the world... none could have foreseen the hell on the frontline and in the trenches. TREVOR MALLARD
adventure – none could have foreseen the hell on the frontline and in the trenches.”
Thousands of Anzac troops – Australian and New Zealand Army Corps – died in the ill-fated 1915 Gallipoli campaign. Waves of Allied forces launched an amphibious attack on the Turkish peninsula, key to controlling the Dardanelles straits – the crucial route to the Black Sea and Russia. But the plan backed by Winston Churchill, then first lord of the admiralty, was flawed and the campaign, which faced a heroic defence by the Turks, led to stalemate and withdrawal eight months later.
Its legacy is the celebration of the “Anzac spirit” – courage, endurance, initiative, discipline, and mateship – shown by the Antipodean troops, and the Anzac Day service in London has become an important moment for thousands of New Zealanders and Australians.
During the service prayers were read by young school children and the Last Post was sounded by a bugler before a minute’s silence was observed by all.
After the service Harry, Meghan and dignitaries walked the short distance to the Australian war memorial where the prince laid another floral tribute.