The Royal Family Attends Afghanistan Commemorative Service
The Duchess of Cambridge joined other members of the royal family – including Her Majesty The Queen, The Duke of Edinburgh, The Prince of Wales, The Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Harry, and the Earl and Countess of Wessex – for a service commemorating the 13 years of conflict in Afghanistan.
The service was held at St. Paul’s Cathedral and attended by over 2000 British citizens. Many political leaders – including former Prime Ministers – attended the service. The most important attendants were the hundreds of families, veterans, and servicemen who either served or lost a loved one during the war.
453 British Servicemen died during the 13 years of combat, and the commemorative service paid tribute to their heroic sacrifices for Queen and Country.
Many will remember that Prince Harry served two tours during the conflict. Despite being Spare to the Throne, he insisted on seeing military combat with his fellow servicemen. Prince Harry flew apache helicopters into combat zones. It was recently rumored that he would be leaving the military
The Archbishop of Canterbury lead the service, during which he said, “We remember those who have been injured in body, mind, and spirit and we pray for their continued well-being and for those who especially support them.” This sentiment is echoed in the many charitable pursuits of the Royal Family – especially Prince Harry- who have actively supported wounded veterans.
Following the service, five military detachments from the Army, RAF, Royal Navy, and Royal Marine, and Afghanistan veterans took part in a parade. They marched past St. Paul’s Cathedral to the sounds of military bands, pipers, and drums. They continued through the center of London to Guidhall.
During the parade, an aircraft flyover “saluted” the servicemen. Chinook, Apache, and Sea King helicopters flew overhead along with Hercules transport planes and Tornado attack jets. These aircrafts also had their day of combat during the Afghanistan war.
While today’s event was focused on the military, many readers will be interested in the attire of the Duchess of Cambridge. The Duchess of Cambridge arrived with her husband, Prince William. She wore a navy coat by Beulah, Cornelia James gloves, navy Alexander McQueen shoes, and a matching hat. She also wore a stunning set of jewelry – most likely sapphires or tanzanites.
Today’s services were a reminder of the great sacrifice of the military throughout the world. It is hard to believe the Afghanistan conflict began thirteen years ago. it is a great joy to celebrate the end of combat while also commemorative those sacrificed so much for our freedoms.
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