British royals mark Anzac Day 2026

The Princess of Wales and the Princess Royal attended events to mark Anzac Day. 

The Princess of Wales and the Princess Royal attended services commemorating Anzac Day this Saturday. Anzac Day has been observed in London since King George V attended the first service at Westminster Abbey in 1916, marking the anniversary of the landings at Gallipoli. Since then, the services have become an important moment to commemorate all Australians and New Zealanders who have lost their lives in conflict, as well as to recognise all those who have served.

Organised by the New Zealand and Australian High Commissions, the Princess Royal first attended the Dawn Service shortly after 5 am at Wellington Arch, Hyde Park Corner. The service included readings, the Last Post, a moment of silence, reveille and the respective national anthems. Wreaths were laid at the conclusion of the service.

The Princess of Wales later attended the wreath-laying ceremony and parade at the Cenotaph in London. The Princess laid her own wreath at the solemn monument—where the British royal family commemorates Remembrance Day every November—followed by the Service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey.

The traditional service included an address from the Dean of Westminster, readings from the New Zealand and Australian High Commissioners, prayers read by children from each respective country, and a Māori Waiata performed by London-based Ngāti Rānana.