The Prince of Wales has laid a wreath at a memorial service for the Welsh Guards on the centenary of the Armistice.

It was laid at the Guards’ Memorial in central London, which commemorates those who have died in service of their country since 1914.

The service on Sunday was also attended by soldiers past and present.

The Welsh Guards’ Regimental Adjutant, Colonel Tom Bonas, said it was a “huge privilege” to be joined by Charles “with everything else he has got on today”.

He added: “We remain incredibly grateful to him for the time and energy that he spends with us. We are very lucky to have him as our colonel.”

Charles at the Guards’ Memorial
Charles at the Guards’ Memorial (John Stillwell/PA)

Families of soldiers were also invited to the service, which was held in the Guards’ Chapel before the laying of the wreaths.

The prince also met bereaved families of military personnel.

Five life-sized bronze statues made out of captured cannons stand at the Guards’ Memorial in Horse Guards Parade, each representing different regiments.

Charles arrived at the memorial by car and stepped out wearing a pinstriped suit, overcoat and bowler hat.

Charles arrives for the event
Charles arrives for the event (John Stillwell/PA)

He laid the wreath at the foot of the memorial before briefly pausing and looking up at the statues while the Welsh national anthem was played by a marching band.

Hundreds of members of the public looked on as he paid his respects.

Sunday marked 100 years since the First World War came to an end.

Before the wreath-laying ceremony Charles was presented with a hawthorn stick as a gift from the regiment for his 70th birthday, something which is given to all officers in the Welsh Guards.

He celebrates his 70th birthday on Wednesday.

Charles also laid a wreath at the Cenotaph earlier on Sunday as he led the royal family’s tributes to the nation’s war dead.