25 Apr 2014

Royal couple's last day honours Anzacs

7:29 pm on 25 April 2014

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge made a surprise appearance at the Dawn Service at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra on Anzac Daty.

Prince William and Catherine had not been scheduled to attend and made a discreet entrance on Friday, standing beside Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove and Lynne Cosgrove for the duration of the short service. They attended the major service later in the day, before leaving Australia for England.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge lay a wreath at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge lay a wreath at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. Photo: AAP

Prince William earlier indicated that he, Catherine and his brother Prince Harry will take part in the 2015 centenary events in Gallipoli, AAP reports.

"Catherine and I look forward to paying tribute to them at tomorrow's Anzac Day commemoration and - with my brother Harry - to taking part in next year's Gallipoli centenary," he said on Thursday at Parliament.

However, Kensington Palace says nothing had been finalised.

Presenting the address at Canberra on Friday morning, Corporal Ben Roberts-Smith, VC, called on Australians to never forget those who have fought for the country.

"We are Australians, we are born of the Anzacs. We are the custodians and stewards of their spirit now and into the future. We must take good care of them."

Corporal Roberts-Smith said later it was humbling to have the Duke and Duchess attend the service.

Australian War Memorial director Brendan Nelson said this year's Dawn Service in Canberra was attended by 37,000 people.

"Anzac Day is Australia's most significant national occasion," Dr Nelson said.