Meghan Markle makes first visit to Field of Remembrance honoring Britain’s war dead

LONDON — Britain's Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, made her first visit to Westminster Abbey's Field of Remembrance on Thursday, joining her husband Prince Harry in planting a memorial cross ahead of Remembrance Sunday this weekend.

The event honoring Britain's war dead has been held in the Abbey grounds since November 1928, when only two tribute crosses were planted.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, places a small cross during a visit to the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey in London, Britain, November 7, 2019. REUTERS/Hannah McKay

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex leaves after paying her respects during a visit to the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey in central London on November 7, 2019. Tolga Akmen/AFP

This year, some 70,000 crosses have been planted on more than 360 plots for regimental and other associations to commemorate those who died in the service of others.

Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, observed a two-minute silence after laying their crosses.

It was the seventh time Harry, who served two tours with the British army in Afghanistan, had attended the event.

Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, wife of Harry's father Prince Charles, had also been due to attend but withdrew because of a chest infection. — Reuters