The Queen reveals she ‘knows too well from family members the pride the military take in their duty’ as she thanks the army for their services in a letter to mark Armed Forces Day
- The Queen has thanked the army for their services ‘both at home and overseas’
- Monarch marked Armed Forces Day, which takes place last Saturday of June
- In a letter written by the Queen, 94, she recognised the ‘dedication and risks
The Queen has thanked the army for their services ‘both at home and overseas’ as she marks Armed Forces Day, which takes place on the last Saturday of June.
In a letter written by the Queen, the monarch, 94, recognised the ‘dedication and risks faced by those serving our nation’.
Referring to her role as ‘your Commander-in-Chief’, the royal also added a personal touch, referring to her own family members who had served in the armed forces, and revealing she ‘knew the pride service personnel take in their duty’.
Both Prince William, 38, and Prince Harry, 35, served in the armed forces for several years.
The Queen has thanked the army for their services ‘both at home and overseas’ as she marks Armed Forces Day, which takes place on the last Saturday of June
Writing in the letter, the Queen said: ‘The Duke of Edinburgh and I join many around the United Kingdom in celebrating Armed Forces Day, and the efforts of our military both at home and overseas.
‘Today provides an opportunity for thanks, and a recognition of the dedication and risks faced by those serving our nation. We also have cause to thank veterans, who continue to contribute to our way of life, long after they leave the Armed Forces.
‘Having had members of my family serve in each of the Armed Services, I know only too well of the pride Service personnel take in their duty.
Referring to her role as ‘your Commander-in-Chief’, the royal also added a personal touch, referring to her own family members who had served in the armed forces (Seen: Guardsmen during a ceremony at Windsor Castle in Berkshire to mark her official birthday this month)
‘As your Commander-in-Chief, I send my warmest best wishes to you all, your families, and the entire Armed Forces community.’
The letter is signed, ‘Elizabeth R.’.
To honour the military forces, many countries around the world hold an annual celebration similar to Veterans Day in the US and in the UK, it is referred to as Armed Forces Day.
Armed Forces Day gives communities the chance to show support to the men and women who are currently serving, Service families, veterans and cadets.
In a letter written by the Queen, the monarch, 94, recognised the ‘dedication and risks faced by those serving our nation’
After replacing previous Veterans’ Day, Armed Forces Day was first observed in 2009 on the day after the anniversary of the first investiture ceremony for the Victoria Cross military medal for heroism, which was held on June 26, 1957.
The celebrations were held at a former Royal Navy base, the Chatham Historic Dockyard, and Prime Minister Gordon Brown, his wife Sarah, Prince Richard, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester were in attendance.
Every year, a different city holds the national event, with celebrations taking place for a week with Armed Forces Day being held on the last Saturday each June.
Both Prince William , 38, and Prince Harry , 35, served in the armed forces for several years (seen at Harry’s wedding in 2018)