Duchess of Edinburgh honours fallen cavalry soldiers at Hyde Park memorial service

Delegations from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, India, Pakistan and South Africa were present at the event

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, paid tribute to fallen cavalry soldiers during a memorial parade in Hyde Park this morning.

In her capacity as Royal Colonel of the Queen’s Own Yeomanry, she wore the regiment’s distinctive running fox cap badge throughout the ceremony.

 

The duchess placed wreaths at the Cavalry of the Empire Memorial, marking 102 years since the monument was first unveiled.

The parade, organised by the Combined Cavalry Old Comrades Association, saw both active and retired members of Regular Cavalry and Yeomanry regiments march past the memorial.

Duchess of Edinburgh

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, paid tribute to fallen cavalry soldiers during a memorial parade in Hyde Park this morning.

 | PA

The ceremony honoured cavalry personnel from across the UK and Commonwealth who lost their lives during the First World War and in conflicts since.

Delegations from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, India, Pakistan and South Africa were present at the event.

The Indian Cavalry Association, though no longer active, maintained its presence through the display of its banner during the march.

Duchess of Edinburgh

In her capacity as Royal Colonel of the Queen’s Own Yeomanry, she wore the regiment’s distinctive running fox cap badge throughout the ceremony.

 | PA

Hyde Park Memorial Service

The duchess placed wreaths at the Cavalry of the Empire Memorial, marking 102 years since the monument was first unveiled.

 | PA

Both serving soldiers and veterans from cavalry units participated in the procession through the central London park.

Following the parade, the duchess attended an outdoor church service at the Bandstand, led by Chaplain General Reverend Michael Parker.

Duchess of Edinburgh

Following the parade, the duchess attended an outdoor church service at the Bandstand.

 | PA

Hyde Park Memorial Service

The ceremony honoured cavalry personnel from across the UK and Commonwealth who lost their lives during the First World War and in conflicts since.

 | PA

The memorial itself holds significant historical importance, having been originally dedicated at Stanhope Gate in 1924 by Field Marshal John French, Earl of Ypres, before being relocated to its current position in 1961.

The statue features St George, patron saint of cavalry regiments.

It was crafted from metal sourced from enemy artillery pieces seized by British cavalry forces during the Great War.