Prince William and Princess Anne honour service people on Anzac Day

Day of remembrance recognises those in Australian and New Zealand Army Corps who died during war, as well as retired service men and women

(POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Princess Anne is attending services in London on Sunday in honour of Anzac Day.

Anzac day is an annual national day of remembrance recognising Australians and New Zealanders killed serving in war, as well as those retired from the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps.

On the morning of Sunday 25 April, the Queen’s only daughter Princess Anne attended a dawn service at Wellington Arch on behalf of the Royal Family.

There, accompanied by her husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, she laid a wreath at the war memorials for Australians and New Zealanders. She also signed a book of remembrance.

The day marks the anniversary of the First World War Gallipoli landings. Thousands of Anzac troops lost their lives during WWI.

Later, the pair will also attend the Anzac Day Service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving held at Westminster Abbey.

The events are attended by reduced numbers due to coronavirus restrictions.

Ahead of Sunday, Prince William praised the “indomitable spirit” and “courage” of Australia and New Zealand’s armed forces in a statement written to the New Zealand and Australian High Commissions in London.

He wrote: “This Anzac Day, Catherine and I join Australians and New Zealanders across the world to remember and honour the service men and women of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps.

“Today we stand together to reflect not only on their sacrifices, but also their courage, sense of duty, and their famously indomitable spirit.

“Though many will still be unable to come together in person this year, we are heartened in the knowledge that Australians and New Zealanders will continue to commemorate those who have given so much for our freedoms.

“The Anzac qualities of endurance, courage, ingenuity, good humour and mateship are admired as fiercely as ever before.

“Lest we forget.”

His message was sent along with some Anzac biscuits - an oat-based sweet snack popular in Australia and New Zealand.