Princess Anne is scheduled to collaborate with a seldom-seen member of the Royal Family on a short international journey next week. The Princess Royal will head to France alongside the Duke of Gloucester to commemorate the 110-year anniversary of the Battle of the Somme.
As the President of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, Anne will be joined by the Duke of Gloucester, who serves as the Honorary President of the Somme Association. The commemorative event on July 1 will pay tribute to those who bravely fought and perished in one of the most lethal battles of World War I.
Although Anne and the Duke do not frequently engage in joint public appearances, the Duke, also known as Prince Richard, has been actively involved in official royal duties while maintaining a low-profile public presence.
Prince Richard, the late Queen’s cousin, shares King George V as his grandfather with Anne. Born on August 26, 1944, in Northampton, he was the youngest son of Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester, and Princess Alice, Duchess of Gloucester. Initially fifth in line to the throne at birth, Prince Richard has undertaken royal visits to various countries like Malawi and the Solomon Islands in his official capacity.
During a rare joint visit to the Thiepval Memorial in northeastern France, both senior royals will unveil UNESCO plaques as part of the anniversary commemorations. This memorial site serves as a poignant reminder of the British and South African troops who lost their lives during the period between 1915 and March 1918, with their final resting places unknown.
Furthermore, the royals will participate in a ceremony at Ulster Tower, dedicated to the men of the 36th (Ulster) Division who perished during the Somme offensive, along with Ulstermen who fought alongside other military units. Following the joint ceremony, Anne will proceed to the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial, while the Duke of Gloucester will participate in ceremonies at Guillemont Road Cemetery.
This visit follows a decade after King Charles, then Prince of Wales, along with other members of the Royal Family, attended the centenary commemorations of the battle in France in 2016.
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