The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have joined actress Barbara Windsor aboard a classic London bus to mark London Poppy Day.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have joined actress Barbara Windsor aboard a classic London bus to mark London Poppy Day.
The
Windsors travelled on a 1960s Routemaster bus to High Street Kensington
station where they surprised military personnel and volunteers
supporting the Royal British Legion.
The couple chatted and laughed with Ms Windsor- the RBL's Poppy Day Ambassador - as they rode to the station, where they were mobbed by delighted crowds.
Ms
Windsor asked after baby George as the trio took the five minute
journey from the palace. Kate replied: 'He's half asleep,' with William
adding: 'He's behaving himself this morning.'
William and Kate had earlier boarded the bus at Kensington Palace with
dozens of RBL supporters including the actress and newsreader Alastair Stewart.
Scroll down for video
Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge,
ride with television personality Barbara Windsor on a 1960s Routemaster
bus as they meet London Poppy Day staff and volunteers in central London
today
William and Kate had earlier boarded the bus at
Kensington Palace with dozens of RBL supporters including the actress
and newsreader Alastair Stewart
Ms Windsor asked after baby George as the trio
took the five minute journey from the palace. Kate replied: 'He's half
asleep,' with William adding: 'He's behaving himself this morning'
The Duke of Cambridge shares a joke with General
Tim Chicken on board the Royal British Legions Poppy bus today as the
charity aimed to collect a million pounds in one day
Kate, wearing a red LK Bennett coat, spoke with
Corporal Steve Johnson, an RAF recruitment officer from Newcastle, who
is busking at Tube stations across London to raise funds for the appeal
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge surprised
hundreds of commuters today as they joined poppy sellers at a London
Tube station in High Street Kensington
Some 2,000 uniformed personnel, veterans and
their supporters are hitting the capital's streets today for the Royal
British Legion (RBL) appeal ahead of Remembrance Sunday.
The Duchess of Cambridge meets with military
personnel, staff and volunteers from the Royal British Legion at
Kensington High Street
William appears to be sharing a joke with an
onlooker as the couple were swamped by members of the public taking
photographs as they walked along the high street to the station's
entrance hall
William, who left his post as an RAF
search and rescue helicopter pilot in September, and Kate were greeted
at the station by motorcyclists from the RBL's Riders Branch.
As they
approached the station's entrance, they were introduced to a line-up of
Poppy Day supporters including volunteers and military personnel.
Kate, wearing a red LK Bennett coat,
spoke with Corporal Steve Johnson, an RAF recruitment officer from
Newcastle, who is busking at Tube stations across London to raise funds
for the appeal.
'Kate asked what kind of music I'd been playing,' he said. 'She asked me to play but then said don't because it's too busy.
The Duchess of Cambridge meets members of the
Poppy Girls, who have produced the appeal's official single The Call (No
Need To Say Goodbye), including 17-year-old Charlotte Mellor, who was
on crutches after a fall
Kate and actress Barbara Windsor - the RBL's
Poppy Day Ambassador - meet with members of the Poppy Girls, which was
formed after an X Factor-style talent competition for the children of
military families run by the Royal British Legion
Prince William leans into share a joke with a
giggling member of the group.
All funds from the sales will go towards the national Poppy Appeal
fund-raising target of £37 million to allow the RBL to carry out its
vital work
The Royal couple met with former and serving soldiers at Kensington Palace and also on High Street Kensington
Kate delighted members of the public with the
surprise appearance. Sisters Lisa and Sina Durchstecher, from Germany,
were walking past the station when the royal couple emerged: 'It was a
dream, we¿re so happy'
Another volunteer, who asked not to be named,
said she had never seen the poppy design worn by the Duchess who
appeared to have used three poppies to create one emblem
'Kate was more interested in the music, while William was more concerned with the day itself and how the appeal was going.
'Lots of people are ecstatic to see them.'
The
Duke and Duchess also chatted with retired volunteer Tim Connolly who
has been selling poppies at the station after nearly 40 years raising
funds for the appeal.
'They asked how the appeal was going and whether we were getting support from the public,' he said.
'The answer is we're getting a lot of
support. The public is responding when they see uniformed personnel out
collecting for the appeal.'
Another volunteer, who asked not to be
named, said she had never seen the poppy design worn by the Duchess who
appeared to have used three poppies to create one emblem.
The Duke of Edinburgh accompanied by Prince
Harry during their visit to the Field of Remembrance. Westminster Abbey,
London, to mark London Poppy Day
The Duke, 92, and his 29-year-old grandson each
lay a Cross of Remembrance in front of two wooden crosses from the Grave
of Unknown British Soldiers from the First and Second World Wars
The Duke opens the Field of Remembrance every
year but it is the first time he has been joined by his grandson. The
role used to be carried out by the Queen Mother
After arriving at the Abbey in a Rolls Royce,
the pair paid their respects by each laying a small cross of remembrance
in front of two wooden crosses
The royals each marked their respects by each
laying a Cross of Remembrance in front of two wooden crosses from the
Graves of Unknown British Soldiers from the First and Second World Wars
Prince Harry lays a cross as Prince Philip, dressed in his Royal Navy day ceremonials and great coat, watches his grandson
The Last Post played before a two minutes'
silence was held. Philip and Harry then visited the plots, meeting
veterans from both past and more recent conflicts
Prince Harry meets fellow well-wishers with a
smile and a handshake as he visits the Field of Remembrance at
Westminster Abbey today to mark London Poppy day
Harry, wearing a military coat and cap and holding a remembrance cross and poppy, bows his head as he makes his way to the Abbey
Both princes have a military background. Philip
joined the British Royal Navy in 1939 when he was 18. He graduated from
the Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, the following year
After arriving at the Abbey in a Rolls Royce,
the pair paid their respects by each laying a small cross of remembrance
in front of two wooden crosses from the Graves of Unknown British
Soldiers from the First and Second World Wars
Prince Harry smiles as he visits the Field of
Remembrance. The Prince was strikingly dressed in Household Cavalry
Cloak Order, wearing a black cloak with a large red collar over his
regimental dress uniform, including riding boots with spurs and black
trousers with a wide red stripe
Dressed in the Household Cavalry Cloak Order and
Army Air Corps beret, Harry, 29, split up from his grandfather to speak
and share a joke with some of the veterans
'I must do it when I get home,' she said.
Sisters Lisa and Sina Durchstecher, from Germany, were walking past the station when the royal couple emerged.
'It was a dream, we're so happy,' Lisa, 24, said.
'I couldn't say anything when I saw them.'
William and Kate were swamped by
members of the public taking photographs as they walked along the high
street to the station's entrance hall.
Earlier, they welcomed RBL supporters and members of the armed forces to Kensington Palace before boarding the classic bus.
The royal couple met staff and
volunteers taking part in the Royal British Legion (RBL) appeal as they
called at Kensington Palace as part of a tour across the capital on a
1960s Routemaster Bus.
Strictly Karen Hauer and Dave Myers (left) were
joined by Fiona Fullerton and Anton du Beke (right) as they sold
poppies in Covent Garden
Strictly star Aljaz Skorjanec with partner Abbey
Clancy, join Darcey Bussell and some female poppy sellers in Covent
Garden. Organisers are aiming to raise more than £1 million in a single
day
Dave Myers - one half of the Hairy Bikers - dances with fans as they stop to buy poppies from him
Brendan Cole and Sophie Ellis Bextor charm a
passer-by into buying a poppy. The 34-year-old singer is partnered with
Cole for the popular dancing show
Anton du Beke gets into the wartime spirit as he sits in a Spitfire while selling poppies to promote the day
The Duke of Edinburgh and Prince Harry
carried out their first joint engagement as they opened the Field of
Remembrance at Westminster Abbey.
The
royals spent nearly an hour meeting veterans and members of the Royal
British Legion and Poppy Factory as they were led around the 100,000
crosses that have been planted in memory of fallen soldiers.
After
arriving at the Abbey in a Rolls Royce, the pair paid their respects by
each laying a small cross of remembrance in front of two wooden crosses
from the Graves of Unknown British Soldiers from the First and Second
World Wars.
Among the
veterans Philip spoke to was former Japanese prisoner of war George
Housego, who said he joked about how old the Duke was.
Mr
Housego said: 'We’re exactly the same age - 92. When I told him who I
was he said "There’s not many of you left" and I had to remind him that
we’re the same age.'
Mr Housego said it was 'absolutely fantastic' that the Duke was there at his age.
'It was a surprise to have Harry here and a surprise to have Philip here really,' he added.
The
Duke opens the Field of Remembrance every year but it is the first time
he has been joined by his grandson. The role used to be carried out by
the Queen Mother.
Dressed in
the Household Cavalry Cloak Order and Army Air Corps beret, Harry, 29,
split up from his grandfather to speak to some of the veterans.
Prime Minister David Cameron poses for a
photograph with members of the armed forces, The Poppy Girls and
supporters of the Poppy Appeal outside Downing Street today
Over the past 15 years, the Legion has called on
a variety of celebrities and beneficiaries to help launch and promote
the Poppy Appeal, from a wide range of locations
Chelsea pensioners gather to inspect Poppies at
Westminster Abbey. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are to welcome
military supporters into their palace grounds to mark London Poppy Day
The 300 retired servicemen, and six women, live at the Royal Hospital in Chelsea. It was founded by King Charles II in 1682
Some 2,000 uniformed personnel, veterans and
their supporters will hit the city's streets for the eighth annual event
ahead of Remembrance Day to commemorate the end of the First World War
in 1918
Lieutenant Colonel Andy Cox said Harry
stopped to pat Staffordshire Bull Terrier Corporal Watchman V, the
association mascot of the Staffordshire Regiment.
'Harry was with us last year,' he said. 'I’ve got a lot of time for him.'
He added that Philip told him 'Sorry
about yesterday', in reference to the news that a British soldier from
the regiment had been killed while on patrol in Afghanistan.
Warrant Officer Class 2 Ian Michael Fisher from The 3rd Battalion, The Mercian Regiment (Staffords) died in a suicide blast.
After arriving, Philip, who wore his
Royal Navy day ceremonials and great coat, stood side by side with Harry
as the Last Post was played before a two-minute silence was held.
The first Field of Remembrance was held in the grounds of Westminster Abbey in November 1928, making 2013 the 85th year.
Remembrance
crosses are provided so that ex-servicemen and women, as well as
members of the public, can plant a cross in memory of their fallen
comrades and loved ones.
A ex-soldier walks past a giant poppy on the way
to the field of remembrance. Remembrance crosses are provided so that
ex-servicemen and women, as well as members of the public, can plant a
cross in memory
A cross adorned with a poppy and displaying a
photo of a fallen soldier is placed next to others (left) and a cross to
remember Drummer Lee Rigby (right) is laid in the Field of Remembrance.
The British soldier was murdered outside Woolwich Barracks in May this
year
Hundreds of small crosses bearing a poppy have
been planted in the field, turning it into a sea of remembrance, to pay
tribute to British servicemen and women who have lost their lives in
conflict
Remembrance crosses are provided so that
ex-servicemen and women, as well as members of the public, can plant a
cross in memory of their fallen comrades and loved ones
A serviceman hammers in crosses amid the
tributes and memorials at Westminster Abbey. The first Field of
Remembrance was held in the grounds of Westminster Abbey in November
1928, making 2013 the 85th year
Memorial crosses bearing the Royal British
Legion poppy and images of fallen servicemen and women are placed in
rows at the Abbey
A well wisher writes a tribute on a wooden cross to mark the ceremony
Members of the Armed Forces sell poppies at
Charing Cross station to delighted passers-by. A series of events are
taking place across the capital to mark
Members of the Armed Forces sell poppies at
Charing Cross station to delighted passers-by. A series of events are
taking place across the capital to mark
Some 2,000 uniformed personnel, veterans and
their supporters hit the city's streets for the eighth annual event
ahead of Remembrance Day
In 1921 the British Legion adopted it and the first Poppy Appeal was born
Some
2,000 uniformed personnel, veterans and their supporters hit the city's
streets for the eighth annual event ahead of Remembrance Day to
commemorate the end of the First World War in 1918.
Fundraisers
are at 80 Tube and train stations across London's transport network and
at hubs including Covent Garden, where a stage has been created for
military performances throughout the day.
Organisers are aiming to raise more than £1 million in a single day.
All funds will go towards the
national Poppy Appeal fund-raising target of £37 million to allow the
RBL to carry out its vital work.
The nation's biggest armed forces
charity spends £1.6 million every week in direct welfare support and
answers more than 170,000 calls for help.
A
series of events are taking place across the capital to mark London
Poppy Day, starting in Covent Garden with RBL ambassador Barbara Windsor
and the Poppy Girls, who will sing the appeal's official single The
Call (No Need to Say Goodbye).
Poppies
were first suggested as a symbol of Remembrance in 1918 and were
adopted by the American Legion in 1920. In 1921 the British Legion
adopted it and the first Poppy Appeal was born.
Members of the company of the British Royal Navy
Type 23 frigate HMS Lancaster mustered on the flight deck paying their
respects by creating a bright red poppy, bowing their heads in silence
HMS Lancaster is currently on patrol in the
Caribbean. The red poppy is one of the most iconic symbols of
remembrance and is displayed to remember the brave men and women who
have given their lives, or been injured, in the line of duty
Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, Duke of
Edinburgh, also bid farewell to South Korea's President Park Geun-Hye at
Buckingham Palace at the end of her state visit
The first appeal raised £106,000
(nearly £30 million in today's terms) and all the poppies were supplied
from France. In 1922 the 'Poppy Factory' was established in the UK to
keep costs down and employing disabled ex-Servicemen to make the
poppies.
Poppies were
'sold' when the appeal started but charity legislation now requires them
to be 'distributed in return for donations'.
Over
the past 15 years, the Legion has called on a variety of celebrities
and beneficiaries to help launch and promote the Poppy Appeal, from a
wide range of locations.
Reunited: Two ageing war heroes - one a prince, one a grandfather from Surrey
Two ageing war heroes were reunited yesterday.
One a member of the Royal Family and the other a grandfather from Surrey.
But
when the Duke of Edinburgh first encountered former Grumman Avenger
gunner Norman Richard, as he plucked the stricken aviator from heavy
seas off the coast of Sumatra in January 1945, they were just two
ordinary men fighting for their country.
Prince Philip smiles as he chats to veterans.
Later he was reunited with former Grumman Avenger gunner Norman Richard,
who he plucked from heavy seas off the coast of Sumatra in January 1945
Philip was First Lieutenant of HMS
Whelp, on active service in the South Pacific towards the end of the
conflict, when Petty Officer (Airman) Richardson and two colleagues were
shot down by the Japanese during a dog fight.
Wearing
only lifejackets after their dinghy failed to inflate, the men, who has
been flying with 849 Naval Air Sqn off HMS Victorious, were facing
certain death when Whelp appeared on the horizon.
The
destroyer struggled to get a launch boat out to them because of the
swell but eventually, after about 20 minutes in the water, managed to
haul the men to safety.
As the tiny boat bobbed alongside Whelp, First Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten appeared at the rail and helped them aboard.
He
then took the shivering group down to his cabin where he leant them
towels to dry themselves and arranged for some clothing to wear.
It
was only then that Mr Richardson and his fellow servicemen noticed the
framed photograph of their rescuer’s ‘sweetheart’ on the table in his
cabin – one Princess Elizabeth.
Asked
about his royal rescuer in an interview a few years ago, Mr Richardson
said: Prince Philip is very much maligned by people today. I think very
few people realise that as a serving officer out with the British
Pacific Fleet, and before that in the Mediterranean, he did a great
service for the country. He was a very brave man, a great example to all
of us.’
Meeting again
yesterday at the Royal British Legion’s Field of Remembrance at
Westminster Abbey, both men had vivid memories of the incident, despite
it being more than 68 years ago.
Prince Philip (second from left in front row)
with fellow officers on HMS Whelp, 1944-46. Philip was First Lieutenant
of HMS Whelp, on active service in the South Pacific towards the end of
the conflict, when Petty Officer (Airman) Richardson and two colleagues
were shot down by the Japanese during a dog fight
Now aged 90 to Philip’s 92, Mr
Richardson, of Weybridge, Surrey, said: ‘We had a joke about Prince
Philip giving me a set of his clothes when I was picked up off the coast
of Sumatra. The Duke still remembers it, and I told him they weren’t
really his clothes, they were the property of the purser’s store.’
Philip
joined the navy as a cadet after leaving Gordonstoun school in 1939 and
was mentioned in dispatches in January 1941 as he took part in night
action on HMS Valiant off Cape Matapan.
He
was well thought of by all he served with and many believe he could
have been First Sea Lord, the professional head of the Royal Navy had he
not been forced give up his own career when he married the Queen, by
which time had been prompted to Commander.
Asked in an interview to mark his 90th year, the royal was asked how he felt giving up his job as a Royal Navy officer.
‘I don't know how difficult it was, it was naturally disappointing,’ he replied .
Yesterday
the Duke, who was wearing Royal Navy day ceremonials and a great coat
in his capacity as Lord High Admiral of the Navy, an honour given to him
by his wife on his 90th birthday, also met Telegraphist Ronald
Harrison, 91, who spent two years as a prisoner of war when his motor
torpedo boat was sunk off Sicily.
Mr
Harrison, of Bexleyheath, south London, said: ‘I told the Duke we
Second World War veterans are a very thin line now, and he said: ‘All of
us are like that now’.d volunteers
supporting the Royal British Legion.
The couple chatted and laughed with Ms Windsor- the RBL's Poppy Day Ambassador - as they rode to the station, where they were mobbed by delighted crowds.
Ms
Windsor asked after baby George as the trio took the five minute
journey from the palace. Kate replied: 'He's half asleep,' with William
adding: 'He's behaving himself this morning.'
William and Kate had earlier boarded the bus at Kensington Palace with
dozens of RBL supporters including the actress and newsreader Alastair Stewart.
Scroll down for video
Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge,
ride with television personality Barbara Windsor on a 1960s Routemaster
bus as they meet London Poppy Day staff and volunteers in central London
today
William and Kate had earlier boarded the bus at
Kensington Palace with dozens of RBL supporters including the actress
and newsreader Alastair Stewart
Ms Windsor asked after baby George as the trio
took the five minute journey from the palace. Kate replied: 'He's half
asleep,' with William adding: 'He's behaving himself this morning'
The Duke of Cambridge shares a joke with General
Tim Chicken on board the Royal British Legions Poppy bus today as the
charity aimed to collect a million pounds in one day
Kate, wearing a red LK Bennett coat, spoke with
Corporal Steve Johnson, an RAF recruitment officer from Newcastle, who
is busking at Tube stations across London to raise funds for the appeal
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge surprised
hundreds of commuters today as they joined poppy sellers at a London
Tube station in High Street Kensington
Some 2,000 uniformed personnel, veterans and
their supporters are hitting the capital's streets today for the Royal
British Legion (RBL) appeal ahead of Remembrance Sunday.
The Duchess of Cambridge meets with military
personnel, staff and volunteers from the Royal British Legion at
Kensington High Street
William appears to be sharing a joke with an
onlooker as the couple were swamped by members of the public taking
photographs as they walked along the high street to the station's
entrance hall
William, who left his post as an RAF
search and rescue helicopter pilot in September, and Kate were greeted
at the station by motorcyclists from the RBL's Riders Branch.
As they
approached the station's entrance, they were introduced to a line-up of
Poppy Day supporters including volunteers and military personnel.
Kate, wearing a red LK Bennett coat,
spoke with Corporal Steve Johnson, an RAF recruitment officer from
Newcastle, who is busking at Tube stations across London to raise funds
for the appeal.
'Kate asked what kind of music I'd been playing,' he said. 'She asked me to play but then said don't because it's too busy.
The Duchess of Cambridge meets members of the
Poppy Girls, who have produced the appeal's official single The Call (No
Need To Say Goodbye), including 17-year-old Charlotte Mellor, who was
on crutches after a fall
Kate and actress Barbara Windsor - the RBL's
Poppy Day Ambassador - meet with members of the Poppy Girls, which was
formed after an X Factor-style talent competition for the children of
military families run by the Royal British Legion
Prince William leans into share a joke with a
giggling member of the group.
All funds from the sales will go towards the national Poppy Appeal
fund-raising target of £37 million to allow the RBL to carry out its
vital work
The Royal couple met with former and serving soldiers at Kensington Palace and also on High Street Kensington
Kate delighted members of the public with the
surprise appearance. Sisters Lisa and Sina Durchstecher, from Germany,
were walking past the station when the royal couple emerged: 'It was a
dream, we¿re so happy'
Another volunteer, who asked not to be named,
said she had never seen the poppy design worn by the Duchess who
appeared to have used three poppies to create one emblem
'Kate was more interested in the music, while William was more concerned with the day itself and how the appeal was going.
'Lots of people are ecstatic to see them.'
The
Duke and Duchess also chatted with retired volunteer Tim Connolly who
has been selling poppies at the station after nearly 40 years raising
funds for the appeal.
'They asked how the appeal was going and whether we were getting support from the public,' he said.
'The answer is we're getting a lot of
support. The public is responding when they see uniformed personnel out
collecting for the appeal.'
Another volunteer, who asked not to be
named, said she had never seen the poppy design worn by the Duchess who
appeared to have used three poppies to create one emblem.
The Duke of Edinburgh accompanied by Prince
Harry during their visit to the Field of Remembrance. Westminster Abbey,
London, to mark London Poppy Day
The Duke, 92, and his 29-year-old grandson each
lay a Cross of Remembrance in front of two wooden crosses from the Grave
of Unknown British Soldiers from the First and Second World Wars
The Duke opens the Field of Remembrance every
year but it is the first time he has been joined by his grandson. The
role used to be carried out by the Queen Mother
After arriving at the Abbey in a Rolls Royce,
the pair paid their respects by each laying a small cross of remembrance
in front of two wooden crosses
The royals each marked their respects by each
laying a Cross of Remembrance in front of two wooden crosses from the
Graves of Unknown British Soldiers from the First and Second World Wars
Prince Harry lays a cross as Prince Philip, dressed in his Royal Navy day ceremonials and great coat, watches his grandson
The Last Post played before a two minutes'
silence was held. Philip and Harry then visited the plots, meeting
veterans from both past and more recent conflicts
Prince Harry meets fellow well-wishers with a
smile and a handshake as he visits the Field of Remembrance at
Westminster Abbey today to mark London Poppy day
Harry, wearing a military coat and cap and holding a remembrance cross and poppy, bows his head as he makes his way to the Abbey
Both princes have a military background. Philip
joined the British Royal Navy in 1939 when he was 18. He graduated from
the Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, the following year
After arriving at the Abbey in a Rolls Royce,
the pair paid their respects by each laying a small cross of remembrance
in front of two wooden crosses from the Graves of Unknown British
Soldiers from the First and Second World Wars
Prince Harry smiles as he visits the Field of
Remembrance. The Prince was strikingly dressed in Household Cavalry
Cloak Order, wearing a black cloak with a large red collar over his
regimental dress uniform, including riding boots with spurs and black
trousers with a wide red stripe
Dressed in the Household Cavalry Cloak Order and
Army Air Corps beret, Harry, 29, split up from his grandfather to speak
and share a joke with some of the veterans
'I must do it when I get home,' she said.
Sisters Lisa and Sina Durchstecher, from Germany, were walking past the station when the royal couple emerged.
'It was a dream, we're so happy,' Lisa, 24, said.
'I couldn't say anything when I saw them.'
William and Kate were swamped by
members of the public taking photographs as they walked along the high
street to the station's entrance hall.
Earlier, they welcomed RBL supporters and members of the armed forces to Kensington Palace before boarding the classic bus.
The royal couple met staff and
volunteers taking part in the Royal British Legion (RBL) appeal as they
called at Kensington Palace as part of a tour across the capital on a
1960s Routemaster Bus.
Strictly Karen Hauer and Dave Myers (left) were
joined by Fiona Fullerton and Anton du Beke (right) as they sold
poppies in Covent Garden
Strictly star Aljaz Skorjanec with partner Abbey
Clancy, join Darcey Bussell and some female poppy sellers in Covent
Garden. Organisers are aiming to raise more than £1 million in a single
day
Dave Myers - one half of the Hairy Bikers - dances with fans as they stop to buy poppies from him
Brendan Cole and Sophie Ellis Bextor charm a
passer-by into buying a poppy. The 34-year-old singer is partnered with
Cole for the popular dancing show
Anton du Beke gets into the wartime spirit as he sits in a Spitfire while selling poppies to promote the day
The Duke of Edinburgh and Prince Harry
carried out their first joint engagement as they opened the Field of
Remembrance at Westminster Abbey.
The
royals spent nearly an hour meeting veterans and members of the Royal
British Legion and Poppy Factory as they were led around the 100,000
crosses that have been planted in memory of fallen soldiers.
After
arriving at the Abbey in a Rolls Royce, the pair paid their respects by
each laying a small cross of remembrance in front of two wooden crosses
from the Graves of Unknown British Soldiers from the First and Second
World Wars.
Among the
veterans Philip spoke to was former Japanese prisoner of war George
Housego, who said he joked about how old the Duke was.
Mr
Housego said: 'We’re exactly the same age - 92. When I told him who I
was he said "There’s not many of you left" and I had to remind him that
we’re the same age.'
Mr Housego said it was 'absolutely fantastic' that the Duke was there at his age.
'It was a surprise to have Harry here and a surprise to have Philip here really,' he added.
The
Duke opens the Field of Remembrance every year but it is the first time
he has been joined by his grandson. The role used to be carried out by
the Queen Mother.
Dressed in
the Household Cavalry Cloak Order and Army Air Corps beret, Harry, 29,
split up from his grandfather to speak to some of the veterans.
Prime Minister David Cameron poses for a
photograph with members of the armed forces, The Poppy Girls and
supporters of the Poppy Appeal outside Downing Street today
Over the past 15 years, the Legion has called on
a variety of celebrities and beneficiaries to help launch and promote
the Poppy Appeal, from a wide range of locations
Chelsea pensioners gather to inspect Poppies at
Westminster Abbey. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are to welcome
military supporters into their palace grounds to mark London Poppy Day
The 300 retired servicemen, and six women, live at the Royal Hospital in Chelsea. It was founded by King Charles II in 1682
Some 2,000 uniformed personnel, veterans and
their supporters will hit the city's streets for the eighth annual event
ahead of Remembrance Day to commemorate the end of the First World War
in 1918
Lieutenant Colonel Andy Cox said Harry
stopped to pat Staffordshire Bull Terrier Corporal Watchman V, the
association mascot of the Staffordshire Regiment.
'Harry was with us last year,' he said. 'I’ve got a lot of time for him.'
He added that Philip told him 'Sorry
about yesterday', in reference to the news that a British soldier from
the regiment had been killed while on patrol in Afghanistan.
Warrant Officer Class 2 Ian Michael Fisher from The 3rd Battalion, The Mercian Regiment (Staffords) died in a suicide blast.
After arriving, Philip, who wore his
Royal Navy day ceremonials and great coat, stood side by side with Harry
as the Last Post was played before a two-minute silence was held.
The first Field of Remembrance was held in the grounds of Westminster Abbey in November 1928, making 2013 the 85th year.
Remembrance
crosses are provided so that ex-servicemen and women, as well as
members of the public, can plant a cross in memory of their fallen
comrades and loved ones.
A ex-soldier walks past a giant poppy on the way
to the field of remembrance. Remembrance crosses are provided so that
ex-servicemen and women, as well as members of the public, can plant a
cross in memory
A cross adorned with a poppy and displaying a
photo of a fallen soldier is placed next to others (left) and a cross to
remember Drummer Lee Rigby (right) is laid in the Field of Remembrance.
The British soldier was murdered outside Woolwich Barracks in May this
year
Hundreds of small crosses bearing a poppy have
been planted in the field, turning it into a sea of remembrance, to pay
tribute to British servicemen and women who have lost their lives in
conflict
Remembrance crosses are provided so that
ex-servicemen and women, as well as members of the public, can plant a
cross in memory of their fallen comrades and loved ones
A serviceman hammers in crosses amid the
tributes and memorials at Westminster Abbey. The first Field of
Remembrance was held in the grounds of Westminster Abbey in November
1928, making 2013 the 85th year
Memorial crosses bearing the Royal British
Legion poppy and images of fallen servicemen and women are placed in
rows at the Abbey
A well wisher writes a tribute on a wooden cross to mark the ceremony
Members of the Armed Forces sell poppies at
Charing Cross station to delighted passers-by. A series of events are
taking place across the capital to mark
Members of the Armed Forces sell poppies at
Charing Cross station to delighted passers-by. A series of events are
taking place across the capital to mark
Some 2,000 uniformed personnel, veterans and
their supporters hit the city's streets for the eighth annual event
ahead of Remembrance Day
In 1921 the British Legion adopted it and the first Poppy Appeal was born
Some
2,000 uniformed personnel, veterans and their supporters hit the city's
streets for the eighth annual event ahead of Remembrance Day to
commemorate the end of the First World War in 1918.
Fundraisers
are at 80 Tube and train stations across London's transport network and
at hubs including Covent Garden, where a stage has been created for
military performances throughout the day.
Organisers are aiming to raise more than £1 million in a single day.
All funds will go towards the
national Poppy Appeal fund-raising target of £37 million to allow the
RBL to carry out its vital work.
The nation's biggest armed forces
charity spends £1.6 million every week in direct welfare support and
answers more than 170,000 calls for help.
A
series of events are taking place across the capital to mark London
Poppy Day, starting in Covent Garden with RBL ambassador Barbara Windsor
and the Poppy Girls, who will sing the appeal's official single The
Call (No Need to Say Goodbye).
Poppies
were first suggested as a symbol of Remembrance in 1918 and were
adopted by the American Legion in 1920. In 1921 the British Legion
adopted it and the first Poppy Appeal was born.
Members of the company of the British Royal Navy
Type 23 frigate HMS Lancaster mustered on the flight deck paying their
respects by creating a bright red poppy, bowing their heads in silence
HMS Lancaster is currently on patrol in the
Caribbean. The red poppy is one of the most iconic symbols of
remembrance and is displayed to remember the brave men and women who
have given their lives, or been injured, in the line of duty
Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, Duke of
Edinburgh, also bid farewell to South Korea's President Park Geun-Hye at
Buckingham Palace at the end of her state visit
The first appeal raised £106,000
(nearly £30 million in today's terms) and all the poppies were supplied
from France. In 1922 the 'Poppy Factory' was established in the UK to
keep costs down and employing disabled ex-Servicemen to make the
poppies.
Poppies were
'sold' when the appeal started but charity legislation now requires them
to be 'distributed in return for donations'.
Over
the past 15 years, the Legion has called on a variety of celebrities
and beneficiaries to help launch and promote the Poppy Appeal, from a
wide range of locations.
Reunited: Two ageing war heroes - one a prince, one a grandfather from Surrey
Two ageing war heroes were reunited yesterday.
One a member of the Royal Family and the other a grandfather from Surrey.
But
when the Duke of Edinburgh first encountered former Grumman Avenger
gunner Norman Richard, as he plucked the stricken aviator from heavy
seas off the coast of Sumatra in January 1945, they were just two
ordinary men fighting for their country.
Prince Philip smiles as he chats to veterans.
Later he was reunited with former Grumman Avenger gunner Norman Richard,
who he plucked from heavy seas off the coast of Sumatra in January 1945
Philip was First Lieutenant of HMS
Whelp, on active service in the South Pacific towards the end of the
conflict, when Petty Officer (Airman) Richardson and two colleagues were
shot down by the Japanese during a dog fight.
Wearing
only lifejackets after their dinghy failed to inflate, the men, who has
been flying with 849 Naval Air Sqn off HMS Victorious, were facing
certain death when Whelp appeared on the horizon.
The
destroyer struggled to get a launch boat out to them because of the
swell but eventually, after about 20 minutes in the water, managed to
haul the men to safety.
As the tiny boat bobbed alongside Whelp, First Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten appeared at the rail and helped them aboard.
He
then took the shivering group down to his cabin where he leant them
towels to dry themselves and arranged for some clothing to wear.
It
was only then that Mr Richardson and his fellow servicemen noticed the
framed photograph of their rescuer’s ‘sweetheart’ on the table in his
cabin – one Princess Elizabeth.
Asked
about his royal rescuer in an interview a few years ago, Mr Richardson
said: Prince Philip is very much maligned by people today. I think very
few people realise that as a serving officer out with the British
Pacific Fleet, and before that in the Mediterranean, he did a great
service for the country. He was a very brave man, a great example to all
of us.’
Meeting again
yesterday at the Royal British Legion’s Field of Remembrance at
Westminster Abbey, both men had vivid memories of the incident, despite
it being more than 68 years ago.
Prince Philip (second from left in front row)
with fellow officers on HMS Whelp, 1944-46. Philip was First Lieutenant
of HMS Whelp, on active service in the South Pacific towards the end of
the conflict, when Petty Officer (Airman) Richardson and two colleagues
were shot down by the Japanese during a dog fight
Now aged 90 to Philip’s 92, Mr
Richardson, of Weybridge, Surrey, said: ‘We had a joke about Prince
Philip giving me a set of his clothes when I was picked up off the coast
of Sumatra. The Duke still remembers it, and I told him they weren’t
really his clothes, they were the property of the purser’s store.’
Philip
joined the navy as a cadet after leaving Gordonstoun school in 1939 and
was mentioned in dispatches in January 1941 as he took part in night
action on HMS Valiant off Cape Matapan.
He
was well thought of by all he served with and many believe he could
have been First Sea Lord, the professional head of the Royal Navy had he
not been forced give up his own career when he married the Queen, by
which time had been prompted to Commander.
Asked in an interview to mark his 90th year, the royal was asked how he felt giving up his job as a Royal Navy officer.
‘I don't know how difficult it was, it was naturally disappointing,’ he replied .
Yesterday
the Duke, who was wearing Royal Navy day ceremonials and a great coat
in his capacity as Lord High Admiral of the Navy, an honour given to him
by his wife on his 90th birthday, also met Telegraphist Ronald
Harrison, 91, who spent two years as a prisoner of war when his motor
torpedo boat was sunk off Sicily.
Mr
Harrison, of Bexleyheath, south London, said: ‘I told the Duke we
Second World War veterans are a very thin line now, and he said: ‘All of
us are like that now’.
Reflective: Selena stares out to the scenery whilst modelling a tight sequinned dress
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