King Charles sent the Duke of Kent, the oldest senior working royal, to Dresden in Germany to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Allied bombing of the city.
Prince Edward, 89, travelled to Germany for the solemn ceremonies where he gave a speech to mark the occasion.
The Duke of Kent has served as royal Patron of the Dresden Trust since its creation in 1993 and of the British German Association since 1994, as he has played an active role in fostering British-German reconciliation.
During the Second World War, nearly 4000 tonnes of bombs were dropped by the allies on the city of Dresden.
King Charles has sent the Duke of Kent, the oldest senior working royal, to Dresden in Germany to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Allied bombing of the city
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The Dresden Trust, of which The Duke of Kent is a Royal Patron, was founded in 1993 to help rebuild the city and the relationship between the two nations.
The Duke of Kent said: We are gathered here today to commemorate the terrible destruction and loss of life 80 years ago. In addition to the grief we feel in our hearts, we also look back on 30 years of reconciliation and growing friendship between Britain and the people of Dresden.
“As Patron of the Dresden Trust, this is very close to my heart. It is my firm desire to heal the wounds of war and promote peace. It is always a pleasure to return to this city, which now shines beautifully in its historical splendour.
“I thank you from the bottom of my heart for the friendship you have shown me and the members of the Dresden Trust.”
Prince Edward, 89, travelled to Germany for the solemn ceremonies where he gave a speech to mark the occasion
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He added: “The Dresden Scholars Scheme is now getting stronger and stronger.
The trust provides financial support for school children in the UK to spend time with families and attend high school.
Prince Edward told the audience that many supported by the trust said that the experience “changed their lives”.
The Duke of Kent also vowed that the Dresden Trust will continue to work to “further strengthen the bridges of trust and friendship that we have built together.”
The King remained in the UK where he visited Middlesbrough with Queen Camilla
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Before concluding his speech, the duke thanked the audience for his “warm welcome.”
In February 2015, during commemorative events to mark the 70th anniversary of the bombing, the cousin of the late Queen Elizabeth II was honoured with the Dresden Prize, an international peace prize, for his contribution to the reconciliation of Britain and Germany.
The King remained in the UK where he visited Middlesbrough with his wife, Queen Camilla.
The Royal Couple attended several engagements before a celebratory walkabout in Centre Square.
