Princess Anne has been honoured with a new role, hours before she joins the rest of the Royal Family to pay their respects at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday.
The Princess Royal is the new president of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC), after her cousin the Duke of Kent stepped down following over 50 years in the position.
The 88-year-old said it had been a “privilege and an honour” to hold the role for so long, adding: “I look forward to watching on as Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal champions this remarkable organisation which ensures future generations continue to commemorate the sacrifice of the men and women of the Commonwealth.”
Anne herself said of her new appointment: “In recording and maintaining the graves of the men and women from across the Commonwealth who died during both world wars, the CWGC plays a significant role in commemorating those who sacrificed so much for our future. Their cemeteries, large or small, always have an impact.
“I am honoured to become president of this organisation and know that I have a challenge in continuing the dedicated work of His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent for over 50 years.
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“Preserving the legacy of those from across the Commonwealth who gave their future in order to preserve ours is a privilege. We will remember them.”
The CWGC cares for and maintains the final resting places of men and women from the Commonwealth who died in the First and Second World Wars.
The group honours over 1.7 million people buried in 23,000 different locations spread across 150 countries and territories.
King Charles has also become royal patron of the CWGC, in the same week it was announced his charity the Prince’s Trust had changed its name to reflect Charles’s new title.
It will be a busy weekend for the royals, as they traditionally mark Remembrance Day and commemorate all those who gave their lives in service of their country.
On Saturday evening they will attend the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall, which also coincides with the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Atlantic and 70 years since the Korean War.
Then on Sunday, senior royals will pay their respects at the Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, central London.
As Head of the Armed Forces, Charles will lay the first wreath at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday, as dictated by tradition.
Prince Harry will not be in attendance, however as a proud veteran he will likely mark the occasion at home in Montecito, California.
