William in Afghanistan for memorial

 
 

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via The Guardian World News by Maev Kennedy on 11/14/10

Queen and political leaders attend service at the Cenotaph to remember those killed in armed conflict since first world war

Prince William joined British troops in Afghanistan this morning to pay tribute to the servicemen and women killed in the country and in other conflicts.

The prince joined the congregation for a service of remembrance at Camp Bastion, Helmand province, where he laid a wreath in memory of the fallen.

A wreath laying will be led in Whitehall today by the Queen and other members of the royal family, followed by a dramatically changed political lineup since last year. Ed Milliband, as new leader of the Opposition, will take third, not second place, after the two coalition leaders. Lady Thatcher is expected to attend, but after her recent illness has been advised to watch the ceremony from inside the Foreign Office buildings.

After the worst year for British casualties in Afghanistan since the conflict began, the British Legion has reported record sales of more than 46 million poppies.

This year's Remembrance Sunday is particularly poignant in Coventry, falling o70 years after the devastating German bombing raid on the city that left the broken ribs of its medieval cathedral rising over acres of shattered and scorched buildings and streets.

In London yesterday, Prince Charles joined 150 members of the War Widows Association to lay a wreath at the Cenotaph before the Festival of Remembrance concert at the Royal Albert Hall. The concert was attended by the March for Honour teams of current and former servicemen who have raised £1m by marching 250 miles across Britain over the past fortnight, covering an average of 30 miles a day while carrying 18kg (40lbs) of kit.

First-hand witnesses of the first world war are nearly all gone. Since the deaths last year of Henry Allingham and Harry Patch, Claude Choules, who now lives in Australia, is the last British born man who fought in the war.Many second world war veterans at ceremonies today are increasingly frail.


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