Harry, Meghan honour Anzac dead in London

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have led the Anzac Day dawn service in London along with hundreds of Australians and New Zealanders.

Britain's Prince Harry and his fiancee Meghan Markle

Prince Harry and fiancee Meghan Markle have attended the Anzac Day dawn service in London. (AAP)

Prince Harry has honoured New Zealand and Australia's war dead at a poignant dawn service commemorating Anzac Day in London.

Harry was joined by fiancee Meghan Markle for the dawn service at the New Zealand war memorial where thousands had gathered to pay their respects.

As the sun broke over London, Harry, a former army officer who served for 10 years in the forces, laid his floral wreath at one of a group of metal crosses near Wellington Arch in central London.

A handwritten note from the prince, attached to a wreath of red roses, read: "For all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in pursuit of our freedom. Thank you. Harry"

Markle may not yet be a member of the British royal family but she has attended a large number of official events in the run-up to her royal wedding on May 19.

The US actress, who wore a grey coat and large brimmed hat, passed a cultural milestone when she, and Harry, were welcomed by Te Ataraiti Waretini from Ngati Ranana - the London Maori Club - with a traditional hongi, the soft pressing of noses and the sharing of each other's breath.

There were other Maori cultural elements during the dawn service including a haka performed at the end, a longer version of the one displayed by the New Zealand rugby team the All Blacks before matches.

Waretini said about Meghan: "She was amazing. I'm not sure if it's her first time at a Maori ceremony but she did very very well.

"It was really lovely to meet her and share the breath of life and share our culture with her and Harry."


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Published 25 April 2018 5:12pm
Source: AAP


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