Prince Harry has led the nation in honouring New Zealand and Australia’s war dead at a poignant dawn service commemorating Anzac Day.
Harry was joined by fiancee Meghan Markle for the early-morning event at the New Zealand war memorial where thousands had gathered to pay their respects.
As the sun broke over the London skyline, Harry, a former army officer who served for 10 years in the forces, laid his floral wreath at one of a group of metal crosses near Wellington Arch in central London.
A handwritten note from the prince, attached to a wreath of red roses, read: “For all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in pursuit of our freedom. Thank you. Harry”
Ms Markle may not yet be a member of the royal family but she has attended a large number of official events in the run-up to her royal wedding on May 19.
The US actress, who wore a grey coat and large brimmed hat, passed a cultural milestone when she, and Harry, were welcomed by Te Ataraiti Waretini from Ngati Ranana – the London Maori Club – with a traditional hongi, the soft pressing of noses and the sharing of each other’s breath.
There were other Maori cultural elements during the dawn service including a haka performed at the end, a longer version of the one displayed by the famous New Zealand rugby team the All Blacks before matches.
Ms Waretini said about Meghan: “She was amazing. I’m not sure if it’s her first time at a Maori ceremony but she did very very well.
“It was really lovely to meet her and share the breath of life and share our culture with her and Harry.”
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