The Duke of Cambridge visited two projects which are honouring the memory of the millions of people who lost their lives during the First World War, and which encourage members of the public to remember and reconnect with the past.
His Royal Highness visited Willesden New Cemetery to see the work of Living Memory, a Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) initiative that aims to encourage communities to discover their local CWGC war graves and memorials, explore the stories behind the names of those who gave their lives during World War I (WWI) and remember their sacrifice. The CWGC cares for war graves and memorials at 12,000 locations in the UK, which together commemorate more than 300,000 men and women who died during the two world wars as a result of their injuries, accident or sickness.
At the cemetery, The Duke met groups from local schools and community groups who have become involved in the Living Memory project in Willesden, and hear about the ways in which they are remembering the fallen. His Royal Highness then visited a number of CWGC WWI war graves across the site, before observing a minute’s silence and laying flowers at the cemetery’s Cross of Sacrifice for Remembrance.
From there, The Duke, as President of Fields in Trust, went on to list the Kensington Memorial Park to officially mark the dedication of the park by the Royal Borough of London & Chelsea to the Centenary Fields programme. Launched by His Royal Highness in 2014 and in partnership with the Royal British Legion, Centenary Fields helps remember those who lost their lives during World War I by securing and protecting outdoor recreational space in perpetuity for the benefit of future generations.
Kensington Memorial Park was officially opened by Princess Louise in 1926 where it was established as a community memorial to those who served in WWI. 90 years since its inception, The Duke met a number of people from the surrounding community who regularly frequent and benefit from the park’s facilities, including young players from the local football club and school children and their parents. His Royal Highness heard from the children about their school projects and work to honour Remembrance as they plant poppies in the park, before unveiling a commemorative plaque.
