Westminster Abbey Marks ANZAC Day 2025

Friday, 25th April 2025

Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh attended a Service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving to mark ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) Day at Westminster Abbey on Friday 25th April 2025.

‘Remembering what must never be forgotten’

The service was conducted by the Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, who said in his Bidding:

‘Early on the morning of 25th April 1915, soldiers of the newly formed Australia and New Zealand Army Corps landed at Gallipoli and were plunged into battle. By the end of that first day they had sustained two thousand casualties, either killed or wounded. Months of bitter warfare followed. Today we gather to remember what must never be forgotten. We are also here to honour not just the bravery, but the common cause. We will reflect on the complex history that makes allies and enemies, and leads us through war and peace.’

At the start of the service, the flags of Australia, New Zealand, the Republic of Türkiye, and the United Kingdom were borne through the Abbey Church and placed in the Sacrarium.

HE Stephen Smith, High Commissioner for Australia, gave an Address; and Mr Chris Seed, Acting High Commissioner for New Zealand, read Romans 8: 31–39.

The sermon was preached by the Dean.

Act of Remembrance

During the Act of Remembrance, His Excellency Osman Koray Erta, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye, recited the words of former President Mustafa Kemal Atatürk inscribed on the memorial at ANZAC Cove in the Dardanelles:

'Those heroes that shed their blood and lost their lives… you are now lying in the soil of a friendly country. Therefore rest in peace. There is no difference between the Johnnies and the Mehmets to us where they lie side by side here in this country of ours… You, the mothers, who sent their sons from far away countries wipe away your tears; your sons are now lying in our bosom and are in peace. After having lost their lives on this land they have become our sons as well.'

Wreaths were laid at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior by the High Commissioner and Acting High Commissioner.

Prayers were led by the Reverend Helena Bickley-Percival, Minor Canon and Sacrist, and said by: Lyla Elliott, Isaac King, Madeline Mitchell, Ava Jones, Tipene Torrance Thomas Scott, Edith Winder and the Reverend Dr James Hawkey, Canon in Residence.

The service was sung by the Westminster Abbey Special Service Choir, conducted by Matthew Jorysz, Sub-Organist. The organ was played by Paul Greally, Assistant Organist.

The Fanfare team from the Band of The Prince of Wales were directed by Colour Sergeant David Hamilton, Bandmaster.

About ANZAC Day

ANZAC (Australia and New Zealand Army Corps) Day is a national day of remembrance that commemorates the Gallipoli landings of April 1915, the first campaign that led to major casualties among the Australian and New Zealand armed forces during the First World War. Some 50,000 members of the Allied forces lost their lives, and more than 87,000 Turkish troops were killed. The day is also an opportunity to remember all Australians and New Zealanders who have served their countries.