Princess Royal carries out poignant duty to ensure Britain’s fallen soldiers are never forgotten

The Princess Royal has honoured generations of soldiers who died serving their country as she marked the centenary of a memorial dedicated to the fallen Foot Guards of the First World War.

Princess Anne attended a ceremony in central London on Friday, 16 October, to rededicate the restored Guards Memorial, which commemorates members of the five Foot Guards regiments who lost their lives in the conflict.

The event marked 100 years since the memorial was first unveiled by the Duke of Connaught in 1926, when around 15,000 First World War veterans gathered for the occasion.

As Senior Colonel of the Household Division, Anne received a royal salute and addressed those assembled, emphasising the importance of preserving the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

She said: “As we gather here a century later, our foremost purpose remains to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

“We honour the officers, warrant officers, non-commissioned officers and men of the Guards division who lay down their lives in the service of King and country.

“This memorial stands as a lasting expression of our gratitude.

“Its significance has not diminished with the passage of time, rather each generation has a responsibility to understand the sacrifice it commemorates to ensure that it is never forgotten.”

The ceremony brought together serving soldiers, veterans, cadets and Chelsea Pensioners, with several elements echoing the original dedication a century earlier.

Anne, accompanied by Major General James Bowder, met members of the armed forces and veterans before laying a wreath alongside representatives of each of the five Foot Guards regiments.

Among those attending was John Barber, a 100-year-old former Irish Guards serviceman who served between 1944 and 1948.

The Princess spoke with Mr Barber during the event and thanked him for making the journey to attend the commemorations.

He later described his presence at the ceremony as a great honour. He also recalled meeting Anne on a previous occasion and spoke about his service in Palestine in 1947.

Now living in Suffolk, Mr Barber spends much of his time in his workshop making items including jewellery, explaining that keeping busy helps him maintain an active mind.

The Guards Memorial features five life-size bronze soldiers representing the Grenadier, Coldstream, Scots, Irish and Welsh Guards, all of which form part of the British Army’s Household Division.

Created by sculptor Gilbert Ledward, the figures were cast using bronze from German guns captured during the First World War, giving the monument a direct connection to the conflict it commemorates.

The memorial was subsequently updated with inscriptions honouring members of the Guards Division who died during the Second World War.

Its significance extends beyond remembrance of past conflicts. The Foot Guards continue to undertake operational duties and training around the world, alongside their ceremonial responsibilities supporting the Royal Family.

Lieutenant Colonel Charles Foinette, Brigade Major for the Household Division, reflected on the connection between the soldiers of the past and those serving today.

He said: “The bronze figures sculpted by Gilbert Ledward were cast from the very artillery that threatened our forebears a century ago.

“Standing here today connects the recruits of 2026 who face new threats in an uncertain world, directly to the 15,000 veterans who marched past this plinth in 1926.

“Their sense of duty and loyalty to the nation remains unbroken.”

The rededication ceremony included prayers, a military inspection, a parade and music performed by a pipe band and drums, culminating in a wreath-laying ceremony and the playing of the National Anthem.