Prince William has sent out a new message to Australia, just days after Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced they’d be making a trip there next month. The Prince of Wales, Commodore-in-Chief of the Royal Navy Submarine Service, paid tribute to sailors and submariners in the UK and Australia for their skills, service and sacrifice, as this year marks 125 years since the formation of the Commonwealth Naval Forces that later became the Royal Australian Navy.
William’s message comes as Royal Navy submarine HMS Anson arrived in Australian waters for maintenance with AUKUS partners. The AUKUS partnership is a trilateral security pact among the UK, Australia, and the US to enhance Indo-Pacific security.
In a video message posted on social media by the Ministry of Defence, the future King thanked those in service and hailed AUKUS for protecting “our shared values, peace, and security”.
The prince said: “As HMS Anson visits Australia, I would like to wish a very happy 125th birthday to both the Royal Navy Submarine Service and the Australian Navy.
“Today, we remember the generations of service personnel who have served in support of the United Kingdom, Australia, and our Commonwealth partners in both World Wars and in the decades since.
“And we thank those who continue their spirit of service today. I’m proud that UK and Australian sailors and submariners are celebrating these anniversaries together in Australia.
“Through the AUKUS programme and on operations and exercises around the world, our two countries will continue to work together to protect our shared values, peace, and security.
“AUKUS is a testament to this enduring relationship, and we look forward to the next 125 years of collaboration.”
It comes as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced a visit to Australia next month.
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Their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, will not be going with them, it is understood.
A spokesman for the couple said: “Prince Harry and Meghan, Duke and Duchess of Sussex, will visit Australia in mid-April to take part in a number of private, business and philanthropic engagements.
“Further details will be shared in due course.”
