Prince William and Kate have delivered a special message - and a sweet gift - to New Zealand to commemorate Anzac Day.
In a written message delievered along with a batch of Anzac biscuits in London, the Duke of Cambridge says the "Anzac qualities of endurance, courage, ingenuity, good humour and mateship are admired as fiercely as ever before".
His message and gift came as thousands of New Zealanders today gather together across the country to mark Anzac Day - for the first time in two years, after Covid-19 restrictions meant the anniversary had to be marked without public services in 2020 for the first time since 1916.
Prince William and Kate paid tribute to the "indomitable spirit" and "courage" of Australian and New Zealand forces as he joined the Princess Royal, Princess Anne, in marking Anzac Day this weekend.
The Duke of Cambridge said in his message: "This Anzac Day, Catherine and I join Australians and New Zealanders across the world to remember and honour the service men and women of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps.
"Today we stand together to reflect not only on their sacrifices, but also their courage, sense of duty, and their famously indomitable spirit.
"Though many will still be unable to come together in person this year, we are heartened in the knowledge that Australians and New Zealanders will continue to commemorate those who have given so much for our freedoms.
A solider at Auckland's Dawn Service held at the Auckland War Memorial Museum. Photo / Hayden Woodward
"The Anzac qualities of endurance, courage, ingenuity, good humour and mateship are admired as fiercely as ever before.
William sent the message to the New Zealand and Australian High Commissions in London, along with some Anzac biscuits.
On Sunday (UKT), the Princess Royal, and her husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, will attend two commemorative services in London on behalf of the royal family.
STORY CONTINUES AFTER LIVE BLOG
STORY CONTINUES
The princess and her partner will be among a reduced number attending the Anzac Day Dawn Service at Wellington Arch, where Her Royal Highness will lay a wreath at both the Australian and New Zealand War Memorials, and sign a book of remembrance.
Later, the couple will attend the Anzac Day Service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey.
Last year instead of dawn services and memorials Kiwis stood at the end of their driveways to remember those who served and lost their lives at war.
In Wellington in 2020, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern stood with her father, Ross Ardern, and partner Clarke Gayford outside Premier House.
But today people of all ages were up before dawn to gather at war memorials and acknowledge the many lives lost to war.
Bill Rimmer sounds the Last Post during a remembrance of the fallen soldiers at Auckland's O'Neill's Point Cemetery on Anzac Day 2020. Photo / Brett Phibbs
The national Dawn Service was held at 6am at the Auckland War Memorial Museum at Auckland Domain.
Auckland Mayor Phil Goff told the crowd that New Zealanders were not gathering today to glorify war, but to pay tribute to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice, including members of his own family.
Ardern also spoke at the Auckland service, saying this year we pay special tribute to the women for the courage they displayed - including military nurses and those left behind to protect and look after their families, while they lost sons, fathers, brothers and husbands at war.
Three thousand returning travellers are currently in managed isolation.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern stands at dawn on Anzac Day 2020 at the driveway of Premier House with her father, Ross Ardern (left), and partner Clarke Gayford (right). Photo / Pool
Hamilton's Jet Park isolation hotel arranged for a worker to play the Last Post for 33 guests listening - with pandemic precautions - to an early morning service, reported RNZ.
Hotel manager David latu recruited a groundsman, Robert, as the hotel's bugler, after learning he could play the trumpet.
He says hotel staff also provided hot chocolate drinks and Anzac biscuits, with poppies from the local RSA.
Officials say small ceremonies or commemorations are happening - under level 4 restrictions - at other isolation and quarantine facilities.
Commemorations and events are planned throughout Aotearoa, including a National Commemoration Service at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park in Wellington from 11am.
Details of other services later this morning can be found by scrolling down this page.
Whangārei
A dawn service will be held at the Whangārei Returned and Services Association (RSA) premises at 16 Hannah St. The parade starts at 5.45am followed by the service from 6am.
Auckland
The dawn service will be held in front of the Auckland War Memorial Museum at the Auckland Domain.
Both parades end at the Memorial Park cenotaph where the respective services are held.
Wellington
The dawn service begins at 6am at the Pukeahu National War Memorial Park on Buckle St, followed by the Wellington citizens wreath-laying service at the Cenotaph Precinct on the corner of Lambton Quay and Bowen St at 9am.
The National Commemoration Service begins at 11am at the Pukeahu National War Memorial Park.
Christchurch
The dawn parade begins at 6am with a parade march from the RSA on Armagh St to Cranmer Square, followed by the service from 6.15am.
The citizens' service will be at 10am at the Transitional Cathedral on Hereford St in the city. The address will be delivered by Air Vice-Marshal Andrew Clark, RNZAF.
The Anzac service begins at noon in the Therese Angelo Wing of the Air Force Museum of New Zealand on Harvard Ave.
Anzac Day commemorations begin with the parade at 6.15am followed by the dawn service at 6.30am at Cenotaph at Toitū Otago Settlers Museum, Queens Gardens.
