Members of the Royal Family to Attend Commemorations for the 100th Anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge

OTTAWA, March 14, 2017 /CNW/ - His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, is pleased to announce that Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales, who will be representing Her Majesty The Queen, The Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry will attend the commemorations for the 100^th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge, at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in France, on Sunday, April 9, 2017.

"Sharon and I are delighted to be joined by Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales, The Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry for the commemorations of the 100^th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge," said His Excellency. "The capture of Vimy, in which the four divisions of the Canadian Corps fought together for the first time, was an historic moment that solidified Canada's reputation as having some of the best soldiers on the Western Front during the First World War. It has also become an important symbol for our country. On April 9^th, a century later, we will once again stand together united to remember and honour the almost 3,600 Canadian soldiers who were killed in action and the more than 7,000 who were wounded during this battle."  

The Canadian National Vimy Memorial is the largest Canadian Memorial to the First World War in Europe. The commemorative events hosted by Veterans Affairs Canada on April 9 at the site will pay homage to Canada's First World War effort and to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Follow the commemorations via social media by using #Vimy100. For more information, visit Canada.ca/vimy-100.

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SOURCE Governor General of Canada

Media information: Marie-Ève Létourneau, Rideau Hall Press Office, 613-998-0287, 613-302-0912 (cell), [email protected]; Veterans Affairs Canada, Media Relations, 613-992-7468, [email protected]