Although the royals are largely spending the month out of the spotlight,Prince Williamtook a break from the holiday to attend commemorations marking the centenary of the Battle of Amiens in France.
After greeting British Prime Minister Theresa May, who dipped down for a curtsy, the 36-year-old royal gave the opening reading at Amiens Cathedral ahead of meeting descendants of those who fought at the World War I battle.
“I am delighted to join you all today to mark this important centenary in this historic cathedral of Amien,” saidPrince William. “From the very first start of the First World War, Amien found itself at the heart of the conflict. For most of the war, it was just behind the allied front lines and military personnel soon become a familiar sight around its streets, around its shops, cafes and hotels.”
SEBASTIEN COURDJI/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
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He continued, “For thousands of servicemen it became a home away from home, above all Ambien was a city of connections – its railway line was a vital link between Paris and the north. Here the armies of France and the British Empire came together – it connected the allies. During the defence of the city against the great German offensive in April 1918, shelling and bombing destroyed many of the buildings here. Thankfully, this great cathedral was spared significant damage.”
William also laid flowers in the Chapel of Allies alongside representatives from the partner countries, as a reaffirmation of friendship between the Allies, Germany and the city of Amiens.
Around 2,000 guests attended the ceremony, which featured readings including diary extracts, letters, poems and personal accounts from those who were there.
Commemorations told the story of the Battle of Amiens, which heralded the Hundred Days Offensive and started the path to the Armistice in November 1918 after Allied forces advanced over seven miles on the first day of the battle, 100 years ago Wednesday.
“What began here on the 8th August was truly a coalition operation under the strategic command of a great Frenchman Marshal Foch, a battle in which the forces of many nations came together to fight. In which ariel, mechanical and human courage and ingenuity combined with devastating results,” William said in his speech. “Amiens was symbolic of the entente cordiale, the cooperation without which victory was impossible.”
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William’ssummer started with a sunshine break in the Caribbeanwith wifeKate Middletonand their three children —Prince George, 5,Princess Charlotte, 3, andPrince Louis, 3 months. They visited Mustique with Kate’s parents — where they likely enjoyed tennis, scuba-diving and teaching the older children to swim.
source: people.com
