Princess Anne leads Anzac Day tributes at dawn in Hyde Park

Dorothy Reddin
Sat, 25 Apr 2026 07:01:07 +0000

Princess Anne marked Anzac Day by attending the early morning commemorative service at Wellington Arch, Hyde Park Corner, arriving just before the 5am start time.

The Princess Royal wore an elegant emerald green tailored coat paired with a structured hat and black gloves for the solemn occasion.

A red poppy was pinned to her lapel as a tribute to fallen servicemen and women.

During the ceremony, Anne placed a wreath of red poppies against Wellington Arch, bowing her head in quiet remembrance.

The New Zealand and Australian High Commissions organised the service, which drew together military personnel, dignitaries and members of the public.

A reading of John McCrae's poem In Flanders Fields formed part of the ceremony, which concluded with the national anthems of the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Australia.

Anzac Day marks the anniversary of Australian and New Zealand troops landing at Gallipoli in 1915 during World War One.

The campaign has become a symbol of courage, endurance and mateship for both nations.

Commemorations took place simultaneously across Australia, New Zealand and at Gallipoli itself on Saturday morning.

The village of Villers-Bretonneux in northern France also held observances, recognising the role Australian forces played in defending the Somme region settlement during the conflict.

The Royal Family acknowledged the significance of the day on social media, posting: "Today is #ANZACDay which honours the members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who served and died in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations."

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Later today, the Princess of Wales is scheduled to attend further Anzac Day commemorations in central London.

Catherine will be present at the wreath-laying and parade service at the Cenotaph, followed by a service of commemoration and thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey.

Anne's dawn appearance reflects her longstanding dedication to military and commemorative duties.