Prince William and wife Catherine have again honoured Australia’s military personnel, joining a record Canberra crowd at the treasured and traditional Anzac Day dawn service.
The couple had not been expected at the Australian War Memorial until mid-morning on Friday but under the cover of darkness made a discreet entry just after 5am (AEST).
William, who was a lieutenant in the RAF, wore two service medals and a sprig of rosemary as he stood abreast Governor-General Peter Cosgrove.
He and Catherine later attended the national ceremony, watching the procession and laying a wreath at the stone of remembrance.
After visiting the tomb of the unknown soldier and placing a poppy on the wall of remembrance, they planted a tree at the War Memorial, a specimen cultivated from the historic Lone Pine at Gallipoli.
In one of only two speeches made by William during the couple’s 10-day tour of Australia, the second-in-line to the British throne spoke of the nation’s bravery and engagement in numerous conflicts.
Prime Minister Tony Abbott thanked the royal couple for their involvement.
“Your presence reminds us of all our comrades in arms,” he said.
The couple, along with nine-month-old Prince George, jet out of Australia on Friday afternoon.
