Princess Anne, the Princess Royal, paid a solemn visit to the British Columbia Veteran’s Cemetery on Monday, where she laid a wreath and received a 21-gun salute in honor of Canada’s fallen soldiers.
The ceremony, which took place in the city of Langford, was attended by veterans, dignitaries, and members of the public. Princess Anne, who is the daughter of Queen Elizabeth II and a colonel-in-chief of the Canadian Armed Forces, was greeted with a warm welcome as she arrived at the cemetery.
Dressed in a navy blue coat and matching hat, the Princess Royal was escorted by a military honor guard as she made her way to the cenotaph. There, she laid a wreath of red poppies, a symbol of remembrance, in front of the memorial.
Following the wreath-laying, Princess Anne received a 21-gun salute from the 5th (British Columbia) Field Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery. The sound of the guns echoed through the cemetery, serving as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by Canadian soldiers.
In her speech, Princess Anne expressed her gratitude for the service and sacrifice of Canadian soldiers, saying, “We must never forget the bravery and dedication of those who have served and continue to serve our country.”
The ceremony also included a reading of “In Flanders Fields,” a poem written by Canadian soldier John McCrae during World War I. The poem, which has become a symbol of remembrance for fallen soldiers, was followed by a moment of silence.
The Princess Royal’s visit to the British Columbia Veteran’s Cemetery is part of her official tour of Canada, which includes stops in Ottawa, Toronto, and Winnipeg. Her visit serves as a reminder of the strong bond between Canada and the United Kingdom, and the shared history of sacrifice and service.
As the ceremony came to a close, Princess Anne was presented with a bouquet of flowers by a young girl, a touching gesture that symbolized the passing of remembrance from one generation to the next.
The Princess Royal’s visit to the British Columbia Veteran’s Cemetery was a poignant and meaningful tribute to Canada’s fallen soldiers. As we continue to honor their memory, let us also remember the words of Princess Anne, who said, “We must never forget the sacrifices made by those who have served our country.”
