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Duchess of Gloucester leads tribute to Island's soldiers

Birgitte, the Duchess of Gloucester inspects the Admiral Somers Sea Cadets during a visit to Kings Square St Georges for a Remembrance event Sunday morning.

The Duchess of Gloucester paid tribute to those who served their Country yesterday at a Remembrance Day ceremony in St. George's.

Her Royal Highness reviewed a parade of Sea Cadets and then joined with Premier Paula Cox, Opposition Leader Kim Swan and St. George's Mayor Kenneth Bascome to lay a wreath at the Cenotaph at King's Square in memory of the fallen soldiers.

More than 100 visitors and locals attended the wreath laying, which was followed by a crowded service including prayers and words of remembrance at St. Peter's Church.

While members of the Police, Regimental Police and security officers stood guard, the Duchess and Premier shook hands and spoke to spectators en route to the church.

After the church ceremony was over, she returned to the Town Hall and spoke with members of the Corporation of St. George's. "I'm very happy to be back in Bermuda again," she said.

The Duchess previously visited the Island in 2003 with the Scottish Opera, of which she is a patron. Her husband, Prince Richard of Gloucester, is the first cousin of the Queen.

The Premier said in a Government statement: "The St. George community came out this morning to pay homage to those who had sacrificed and who were no longer here.

"Along with the pomp and pageantry of the occasion, was a quiet dignity that added elegance and stateliness to the ceremony."

According to the statement, following the church service the Duchess visited the St. George's Town Hall and then lunched with guests at Tom Moore's Tavern. In her final public activity the Duchess visited the Masterworks Museum of Art.

On Saturday, the Duchess met with members of the Bermuda Regiment boat troop and enjoyed a tour of Hamilton Harbour.

Her visit, which began on Friday, also included meeting football legend Clyde Best and some young footballers.