Royal Visit as Duke of Gloucester visits Rushcliffe to unveil Commonwealth Memorial Plaque
Last updated: 13/3/2025
The Mayor of Rushcliffe Cllr Andy Brown and Rushcliffe Borough Council’s Armed Forces Champion Cllr Jonathan Wheeler attended the unveiling of a Commonwealth Memorial Plaque on Victoria Embankment today (March 12), in a ceremony hosted by the Duke of Gloucester Prince Richard, representing King Charles III.
Over 150,000 members of the Commonwealth counties not including Great Britain and Northern Ireland died during World War 1 and World War 2, and dignitaries from across Nottinghamshire and the United Kingdom, came together to pay tribute to their sacrifice.
The Duke of Gloucester spoke movingly of their sacrifice and the worry of current world events that his generation hoped they would not see again, following the horrors of World War 2.
Cllr Andy Brown was formally presented to the Duke as he welcomed him to Welbeck Hall in West Bridgford, for a meal celebrating the Commonwealth.
He said: “It was an honour to have the Duke of Gloucester visit Rushcliffe and unveil the plaque which stands as a lasting tribute to those who gave their lives for us. We can never forget the sacrifice they gave for our freedom."
Cllr Jonathan Wheeler added: “The role the commonwealth nations played in the War should not be underestimated.
"Hundreds of thousands of soldiers from across the globe, many not directly impacted by the wars, came to help defend the United Kingdom, and we are incredibly grateful for their service, and sacrifice."
The plaque is available for members of the public to see at the War Memorial on the Victoria Embankment.