The following statement is being issued on behalf of the Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador:

“As Premier, and next of kin to the unknown soldier, I am honoured to welcome Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, Princess Anne, to Newfoundland and Labrador, as we mark the commemorative events associated with the Centennial of the Newfoundland National War Memorial.

As the Colonel in Chief of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment and President of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, Her Royal Highness’s presence will be especially symbolic as we gather to pay tribute to an unknown First World War soldier from this province who will be entombed on the plateau of the Newfoundland National War Memorial. Soldiers from our province fought so bravely in the storied battlefields of the First World War that their Regiment earned the honour of “Royal” in its name.

Together, we will remember the strength of those Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who served, fought, and died in all branches of the military and respective support services, especially those who have no known grave.

This will be Her Royal Highness’s first visit to Newfoundland and Labrador since 2016, a visit that comes at a momentous time in our province, as we mark the 75th anniversary of Confederation with Canada.

I look forward to extending a warm Newfoundland and Labrador welcome to Her Royal Highness and share with her our province’s rich culture and resilient people, as we come together to mark this historic moment.”

For more information on the commemorative events associated with the centennial of the Newfoundland National War Memorial, please visit here.

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