Prince Charles and Prince Harry will join forces in Turkey on Thursday for two days of engagements honouring the centenary of the Gallipoli Campaign. While Prince William is in London anxiously awaiting the imminent arrival of his second baby, his father and brother will meet with the country's president for a banquet, meet descendants of those who took part in the campaign and attend a number of commemoration services.Harry, who is making his first official appearance in Turkey, will no doubt be glad of Charles' company on the trip. The Prince of Wales has previously made six visits to Turkey, including his most recent tour in 2007 with the Duchess of Cornwall.
Prince Charles and Prince Harry have a busy schedule of engagements
The father-son duo will step out together on Thursday evening at the Congress Centre in Istanbul for a banquet given by President Recep Tayyip Erdoǧan. Following an address by the politician, the British royals will enjoy a concert masterminded by Turkish composer Can Atilla in the auditorium and a lavish dinner.Friday's jam-packed schedule will see the two Princes begin their day at a reception on HMS Bulwark for British descendants of the Gallipoli campaign. Charles and Harry will meet a host of special guests, including some whose ancestors landed at 'V' Beach on 25th April 1915 and a descendant of Admiral Sir John de Robeck, Commander of the Allied Fleet during the Dardanelles naval battle.
Prince Charles has previously visited Turkey on six occasions
In the afternoon Charles and Harry will be welcomed by senior Turkish representatives at the Ҫanakkale Matyrs' Memorial Abide. During the service, which will include a performance by the Ottoman Military Band and a children’s choir, Prince Charles will lay a wreath and give a speech.Father and son will then attend the Commonwealth and Ireland Service at Cape Helles, witnessing the unveiling of a memorial stone before viewing and entering the Helles Memorial itself.Their Royal Highnesses, who will be the service's official hosts, will greet the President of the Republic of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins before both delivering readings.Charles will then lay a wreath on behalf of the Queen.
Prince Harry will return to Australia after his two-day visit
The trip will draw to a close on Friday night with a reflective service on the coast at Morto Bay. Turkish and French students will perform readings and after dignitaries, including Prince Charles, have laid wreaths, the Last Post will be played followed by a minute's silence.Soon after returning to the UK, Prince Charles will head off again. The 66-year-old is due in Scotland, where he holds the title of the Duke of Rothesay, to open a new engineering education room and an indoor gymnasium at Dumfries House in Cumnock, Ayreshire.The Queen's eldest will be away on Tuesday 28 and Wednesday 29 April.