Duchess of Gloucester visits Westminster Abbey

The Duchess of Gloucester paid a poignant visit to Westminster Abbey to honour the fallen at the annual Field of Remembrance. 

In early November, people across the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and the world remember, honour and commemorate those who have lost their lives serving in the Armed Forces. Throughout the Commonwealth, members of the public can show their support by wearing a poppy, a symbol of remembrance for over 100 years. The British royal family also carries out a number of events to honour those who have gone before us.

The Duchess of Gloucester, on behalf of the Queen, attended the opening of the 98th year of the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey. The Field of Remembrance has been organised by the Poppy Factory and held in the grounds of the Abbey since November 1928. The solemn display commemorates those who have lost their lives serving in the Armed Forces. Ex-service personnel, as well as members of the public, can plant a cross or a symbol carrying a personal message in memory of those who have lost their lives in the service of others.

After being greeted by the Dean of Westminster and the President of the Poppy Factory, Vice Admiral Sir David Steel, prayers were said, followed by the Duchess planting a cross bearing the cypher of Queen Camilla. The Last Post was sounded before the Exhortation to Remembrance was read by Vice Admiral Steel ahead of a two-minute silence.

Birgitte was then invited to review the plots, where she met service personnel, veterans and their families. Amongst them, previous wooden crosses were laid by the Rifles, the Royal Lancers and the Grenadier Guards, of which Queen Camilla is Colonel. Crosses have also been planted by the Royal Army Chaplains’ Department, the Submariners Association (HMS ASTUTE), the RAF Association (RAF Halton and Leeming), New Zealand, Canada, Australia, and the Royal Navy Medical Service.

This year, there are 234 plots, including new plots to represent the Lisbon Maru Memorial Association, Association of Royal Navy Officers, Maritime Reserves, General Service Corps Association and Royal Army Medical Services. The Poppy Factory supports veterans and families on the path to employment.

Each year the Factory’s specialist employment services help more than 1,200 veterans and their families in England and Wales to become more independent and better connected. The Poppy Factory’s employment support began at its factory in Richmond upon Thames, where members of the production team have been making Remembrance wreaths for the Royal British Legion and the royal family since 1922.