The Prince of Wales, attending on behalf of the Queen, was accompanied by the Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry at the commemorations for the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in France on April 9th. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Governor General David Johnston were also present, as was President Hollande of France. The Battle took place between 9th – 12th April 1917, and was part of the opening phase of the Battle of Arras. The four divisions of the Canadian Corps, as well as other Allies, faced off against three divisions of the German Sixth Army. It is seen as Canada’s most notable military victory and a symbol of the birth of Canadian National pride. The Canadian National Vimy Memorial is the largest Canadian Memorial to the First World War in Europe.
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The Prince of Wales, Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry attended the commemorations for the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Governor General David Johnston and President Hollande of France. The Queen released a message earlier in the Day, click HERE to read it. The group toured the trenches, and the Prince of Wales gave a speech during the service, saying,
Canadians displayed a strength of character and commitment to one another that is still evident today. They did not waver. This was Canada at its best; the Canadians at Vimy embodied the “True North Strong and Free.”
The Duke and Prince Harry laid poppies and commemorative soldiers boots in memory of those who lost their lives during WWI. Afterwards, the Prince of Wales, Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry met with some of the crowds.
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The Prince of Wales wore a grey suit with a regimental tie, a poppy, and medals. The Duke of Cambridge wore a navy suit with the regimental tie of the Household Division, a poppy, and medals. Prince Harry wore a navy suit with a regimental tie, a poppy, and medals.
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