Her son Prince Andrew faught in the Falklands War and her grandson, Prince Harry, has served in Afghanistan.So remembering those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country is a matter close to the Queen's heart.Though the day was cold and grey, the monarch made a warm and touching tribute to fallen soldiers and war veterans in Canberra, Australia.
After greeting thousands of well-wishers who braved the low temperatures and damp to welcome the royal couple, the 85-year-old royal and The Duke of Edinburgh attended an emotional ceremony to remember Australia's war dead.Once inside the Hall of Memories, the Queen placed poppies on the tomb of Australia's unknown soldier.
The wreath's inscription read: "In memory of the glorious dead'', and underneath: "Elizabeth R and Philip''.
After the sombre service, the couple visited the Orientation Gallery, where 60 Australian Defence Force personnel who had served in either WWII, Vietnam or Korea, greeted her.
The sovereign took time to meet and greet each serviceman as she moved slowly down the line.
Vietnam veteran Chris Roberts described her as "a very gracious lady".
"What I was amazed about was she talked to everyone, the young sailors, soldiers and airmen of the force, and every veteran," he told Australian news agency AAP. "She seemed to have an empathy with us."
