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Vimy Ridge: Royals commemorate defining WW1 battle Vimy Ridge: Royals commemorate defining WW1 battle
(about 1 hour later)
Commemorations are taking place in France to mark the centenary of one of the fiercest battles of World War One. Prince Charles has paid tribute to the soldiers who paid the "unbearably high cost" of victory at 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 in northern France saw the deaths of 3,598 Canadian forces under British command in April 1917.
The Prince of Wales, Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry joined the service at the Canadian National Memorial on the battlefield near Arras. Events marking the centenary are taking place on the site of the battlefield.
The Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry have joined their father for the service, and the Queen sent a message.
She told the people of Canada it was important to "remember and honour those who served so valiantly and who gave so much here at Vimy Ridge".
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 at the Canadian National Memorial on the battlefield near Arras.
Addressing them, Prince Charles said victory at Vimy Ridge came "at an unbearably high cost".
"This was, and remains, the single bloodiest day in Canadian military history," he said.
"Yet Canadians displayed a strength of character and commitment to one another that is still evident today.
"They did not waver. This was Canada at its best. The Canadians at Vimy embodied the true north, strong and free."
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.
About 159,000 allied troops were killed, wounded or missing in the Battle of Arras.About 159,000 allied troops were killed, wounded or missing in the Battle of Arras.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau paid tribute to those who fought.
"The Battle of Vimy Ridge was a turning point in the First World War and for Canada, when Canadians acted - and fought - as one," he said.
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.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.The fighting saw the highest concentration of Scots involved in any WW1 campaign.
Princes William and Harry laid a pair of boots at the site as part of a symbolic tribute to those killed.Princes William and Harry laid a pair of boots at the site as part of a symbolic tribute to those killed.
Along with their father Prince Charles, they also walked in the footsteps of the soldiers who took part in the battle by being given a guided tour of the preserved trenches.Along with their father Prince Charles, they also walked in the footsteps of the soldiers who took part in the battle by being given a guided tour of the preserved trenches.
The Queen praised the courage and ingenuity of the Canadian troops who fought at Vimy Ridge.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."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."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 is also attending 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".UK Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon, who is also attending 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".