Harry opens Field of Remembrance
The Duke of Sussex has said he would like to include a symbol of India’s war dead in his Cenotaph wreath, to commemorate their First World War sacrifice - but added that it would not please everyone.
Harry’s comment came as he honoured Britain’s war dead at a ceremony to open Westminster Abbey’s Field of Remembrance, which marks its 90th anniversary this year.
On Sunday the duke will join the Prince of Wales, Duke of Cambridge, the Prime Minister, cabinet members and other national figures laying wreaths at the Cenotaph, as the nation falls silent on the 100th anniversary of the end of the war.
The duke, a former Army officer, stopped at one of the 370 plots in the shadow of the Abbey, representing regiments, military organisations and other bodies and covered with tiny wooden crosses, to chat to Suraj Samant, 23, from the Hindu Council UK.
In India marigolds, rather than poppies, are used to commemorate the country’s war dead, and Mr Samant handed Harry a bloom.