Princess Anne takes on special new role ahead of Remembrance Day service

11 November 2023 , 12:47

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Princess Anne has been given a new role as president of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (Image: PA)

The Princess Royal has been honoured with a new role as the new president of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC), after her cousin the Duke of Kent stepped downafter 50 years in the position.

It comes just hours before she joins the rest of the Royal Family to pay their respects at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday. The Princess said of her appointment: "In recording and maintaining the graves of the men and women from across the Commonwealth who died during both world wars, the CWGC plays a significant role in commemorating those who sacrificed so much for our future. Their cemeteries, large or small, always have an impact."

The Princess Royal will join the Royal Family at the Cenotaph tomorrow (Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

According to the Daily Express, she added: "I am honoured to become president of this organisation and know that I have a challenge in continuing the dedicated work of His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent for over 50 years. Preserving the legacy of those from across the Commonwealth who gave their future in order to preserve ours is a privilege. We will remember them."

The Duke of Kent, 88, said it had been a "privilege and an honour" to hold the role for so long, adding: "I look forward to watching on as Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal champions this remarkable organisation which ensures future generations continue to commemorate the sacrifice of the men and women of the Commonwealth."

The Princess Royal has been honoured with a new role as the new president of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) (Getty Images)

King Charles has also become royal patron of the CWGC, in the same week it was announced his charity the Prince's Trust had changed its name to reflect Charles's new title. The commission looks after the final resting places of the men and women from the Commonwealth who died in the First and Second World Wars and honours more than 1.7 million people buried in 23,000 different locations across 150 countries and territories.

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The Royal Family face a busy weekend with Remembrance Day on Sunday but prior to that they will attend the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday evening, which also coincides with the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Atlantic and 70 years since the Korean War.

On Sunday, senior royals are due to pay their respects at the Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, central London. As Head of the Armed Forces, Charles will lay the first wreath, as dictated by tradition. Prince Harry will not be in attendance, but as proud veteran - who also founded the Invictus Games to help wounded veterans take part in sport - he is expected to mark the occasion at home in Montecito, California.

Paul Donald