Prince Harry jumped aboard an iconic red Routemaster bus to show his support for London Poppy Day. The 30-year-old royal, who holds the rank of captain in the British army, was championing the annual appeal made by the Royal British Legion, which hopes to raise £1million for armed forces in one day. Meeting war veterans, poppy sellers and stars including singer Joss Stone and actress Barbara Windsor, Harry kicked off the campaign on Thursday morning outside Buckingham Palace.
Prince Harry was joined by Barbara Windsor and Joss Stone on the bus
A London red bus was stationed outside The Queen's residence, with Harry and the group happily posing outside the vehicle and hopping aboard to inspect the interior. The fourth-in-line to the throne looked particularly dapper in a navy suit and striped tie, and wore his own poppy with pride on his lapel. Harry gave a warm greeting to his close friend Joss, who he has known for years, and kissed EastEnders star Barbara, who took part in the same event last year, on the cheek as he arrived.
Prince Harry was supporting the Royal British Legion's annual poppy appeal
The 1960s Routemaster will travel around London with the stars on board, to raise awareness and funds for the appeal. It will also call on Prime Minister David Cameron at nearby 10 Downing Street. Throughout the day, musical performances will take place in Covent Garden by Britain's Got Talent stars Lucy Kay and Jonathan Antoine and the RAF Spitfires Choir. In the lead up to Remembrance Day, volunteers across the capital have been selling poppies at more than 60 tube and train stations. Collections are also being made on the Thames Clippers and more than 70 of London's major firms.
The Routemaster will travel around London for the day and later call at 10 Downing Street
Last year Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge, née Kate Middleton, surprised commuters when they made a special appearance at Kensington High Street tube station in support of London Poppy Day. The couple, who are expecting their second royal baby in April next year, had travelled on board the red Royal British Legion bus and spoke to servicemen and servicewoman who were selling poppies in the station.