Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip have paid tribute to the thousands of men and women who volunteered during the First World War at a ceremony at the Royal Hospital Chelsea.
The Solemn Drumhead Service of Remembrance took place on the 28th June 2014 – one hundred years exactly since the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. In the United Kingdom, the 28th June this year also marked Armed Forces Day.
Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip during the service
The service also included a marching contingent of modern day reservists from HMS President; the Royal Yeomanry; The London Regiment and First Aid Nursing Yeomanry; and the Honourable Artillery Company Band, which led the march.
The Lieutenant Governor of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, Major General Peter Currie said that the hospital was “honoured and delighted to hold this service” and that “there is no more fitting site for this event in London than the home of the Chelsea Pensioners which for over 300 years has stood as a symbol of the nation’s gratitude”.
Following the service, the Queen visited the hospital’s chapel, where Field Marshal Sir John Chapple presented her with the book Stepping Forward, a tribute to the Volunteer Military Reservists and Supporting Auxiliaries from Greater London 1908-2014.
Queen Elizabeth being presented the Stepping Forward book
The Queen and Prince Philip were also joined by the Bishop of London, Richard Chartres, who led the Drumhead Service, as well as the Earl of Wessex, Princess Alexandra and Prince Michael of Kent.
The Royal Hospital Chelsea is home to several hundred ex-servicemen and women who have served Britain. It was established in 1682 by King Charles II who recognised the need for a place for soldiers “broken by age or war” to be cared for.
Source: The Royal Hospital Chelsea
Images courtesy of the Royal Hospital Chelsea
Posted by: Daniel Barry, Centenary News