Princess Anne began the second day of her Australian visit with a solemn display of respect and reflection at Sydney’s Anzac Memorial, honouring the country’s fallen servicemen and women ahead of Remembrance Day on November 11.
The Princess Royal, arrived in the Hall of Remembrance for a special commemorative service, drawing hundreds of well wishers outside who hoped for a glimpse of Queen Elizabeth’s daughter in her official role as Colonel-in-Chief of the Royal Australian Corps of Signals, a post she has held with distinction since 1977.
Greeted warmly by veterans, as well as New South Wales Governor Margaret Beazley, Governor-General Sam Mostyn, and Chief of Army Lieutenant General Simon Stuart, she later laid a wreath inside the hall and delivered a heartfelt remembrance reading, paying tribute to those who have sacrificed their lives in wars and conflicts.
The Royal Family shared a heartfelt post on Instagram, honouring fallen Australian and New Zealand soldiers who lost their lives in service.
“In remembrance of all Australian and New Zealand soldiers who lost their lives at war,” the caption began.
“Earlier today, at the ANZAC Memorial in Sydney, The Princess Royal laid a wreath and spent time with veterans and serving troops.”
Anne took time to inspect the guards, sharing smiles and conversation with both junior and senior service members, before attending a garden party with 900 military guests on the Barracks grounds.
In her speech, she praised the Corps’ century long dedication, “One hundred years of service, innovation and dedication is a remarkable milestone, and it is indeed a privilege, as your Colonel-in-Chief, to share in this occasion,” she said.
She highlighted their vital role in every theatre of operations, from the trenches of the First World War to modern global missions, noting that their work “enabled communications, co-ordination and connectivity, often under the most challenging circumstances.”
She also reflected on the unit’s Latin motto, Certa Cito “swift and sure” describing it as a fitting reflection of their professionalism, speed, and reliability.