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Vimy Ridge: Royals to commemorate defining WW1 battle Vimy Ridge: Royals commemorate defining WW1 battle
(about 1 hour later)
The Prince of Wales, Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry are to mark the centenary of a defining World War One battle in northern France. Commemorations are taking place in France to mark the centenary of one of the fiercest battles of World War One.
The four-day battle of Vimy Ridge saw the deaths of 3,598 Canadian forces under British command in April 1917. The four-day Battle of Vimy Ridge saw the deaths of 3,598 Canadian forces under British command in April 1917.
Princes William and Harry will lay a pair of boots as part of a symbolic tribute to those killed near Arras. The Prince of Wales, Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry joined the service at the Canadian National Memorial on the battlefield near Arras.
The events began with a ceremony attended by Canadian PM Justin Trudeau and French President Francois Hollande.The events began with a ceremony attended by Canadian PM Justin Trudeau and French President Francois Hollande.
About 25,000 people, including relatives of those who fought in the battle, are attending the commemorations.About 25,000 people, including relatives of those who fought in the battle, are attending the commemorations.
The three British royals will walk in the trenches of the former battlefield before taking part in the event at the Canadian National Memorial.
Vimy Ridge was an engagement during the Battle Of Arras, which lasted from 9 April to 16 May 1917 and involved British, Canadian and Australian troops.Vimy Ridge was an engagement during the Battle Of Arras, which lasted from 9 April to 16 May 1917 and involved British, Canadian and Australian troops.
The fighting saw the highest concentration of Scots involved in any WW1 campaign, with 18,000 Scottish deaths, among the 159,000 allied troops killed, wounded or missing. About 159,000 allied troops were killed, wounded or missing in the Battle of Arras.
Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is also in France for the commemorations in recognition of the 18,000 Scottish soldiers who died in the wider offensive.
The fighting saw the highest concentration of Scots involved in any WW1 campaign.
'Remember and honour'
During the ceremony Princes William and Harry will lay a pair of boots at the site as part of a symbolic tribute to those killed.
Ahead of the event, the Queen, praised the courage and ingenuity of the Canadian troops who fought at Vimy Ridge.
In a message to the people of Canada, for whom she is their monarch, the Queen said: "On this day a century ago, thousands of Canadian soldiers stood far from home together with their allies in defence of peace and freedom."
She added: "It is our duty to remember and honour those who served so valiantly and who gave so much here at Vimy Ridge and throughout the First World War."
The ridge, which is about 108 miles (175 km) north of Paris, was captured by Germany early in the war and transformed into a strong defensive position.The ridge, which is about 108 miles (175 km) north of Paris, was captured by Germany early in the war and transformed into a strong defensive position.
The attack on 9 April sparked four days of intense fighting, until Canadian forces under British command retook the heights overlooking the Douai Plain, which was still occupied by the enemy.The attack on 9 April sparked four days of intense fighting, until Canadian forces under British command retook the heights overlooking the Douai Plain, which was still occupied by the enemy.
UK Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon, who will also be at the event, said the "power of Allied force" is as relevant today as in 1917 and they are "continuing to make the world a safer and more secure place". UK Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon, who will also be at the events, said the "power of Allied force" is as relevant today as in 1917 and they are "continuing to make the world a safer and more secure place".