William, Kate and Harry arriving.
Other royals in attendance included The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Harry, the Duke of York, the Earl and Countess of Wessex, the Princess Royal and Admiral Sir Tim Laurence and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester. Princess Alexandra who has a broken wrist and the Duke of Kent, ill with a chest infection, were unable to attend.
Her Majesty arrived to the national anthem on Horse Guards.
The 2,500 strong crowd at the service included current Service personnel, veterans, representatives of departments and bodies including the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the National Health Service, and representatives of various charities and aid organisations.
Political figures included PM Theresa May, David Cameron, Tony Blair and Sir John Major.
The service is a dedication to those deployed to Iraq & Afghanistan, either military or civilian, and those who supported them at home.
The service is a dedication to those deployed to Iraq & Afghanistan, either military or civilian, and those who supported them at home.
Kate chats with the Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond.
Kate and Sophie chatting.
Veterans and their families gathered for the service.
Veterans and their families gathered for the service.
The royal family has close connections with the armed forces - so it seemed only fitting to see such a large turnout today.
Of course, Prince Harry undertook two tours of Afghanistan. The first in 2007 as a Forward Air Controller and then in 2012 as an Apache Pilot.
It seemed very appropriate for Harry to read from the book of Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 "There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven".
More from ITV News:
'The number of British forces personnel and MoD civilians who died while serving in Afghanistan is 456, for the Iraq conflict it was 179, and the Gulf War 47, according to figures from the Ministry of Defence.
The service was led by the Chaplain of the Fleet, the Venerable Ian Wheatley, who gave thanks to the civilians and military personnel who served in the Gulf region, Iraq and Afghanistan. "We pray for all who in bereavement, disability and pain continue to suffer the consequences of fighting and terror," he said. "And we remember with thanksgiving and sorrow those whose lives in wars and conflicts, past and present, have been given and taken away."
Prince Harry marked a sombre note with a Bible reading from Ecclesiastes 3: 'To everything there is a season'. Members of the clergy also read moving poems and prayers before attendees bowed their heads for the Lord's Prayer and a rendition of the Last Post, culminating in two minutes' silence.'
Veteran Tommy Roberts on what the Iraq and Afghanistan Memorial means to him.
The bands playing before the unveiling.
Following the service, the royals travelled to Victoria Embankment Gardens, where Her Majesty unveiled the Iraq Afghanistan Memorial in the presence of the Memorial Trustees, together with individuals who served in Iraq and Afghanistan and their families.
The memorial honours all UK Service personnel and civilians who took part in conflicts in the Gulf region, Iraq and Afghanistan between 1990 and 2015. The memorial sculpture made from Portland stone and bronze was designed by Paul Day, and shows two monoliths supporting a medallion.
The Queen was presented with a posy by 2-year-old Alfie. His father served in Iraq and Afghanistan, his mother served in Afghanistan. Sergeant Mark Lunn MC joined the Rifles in 2007 and Corporal Michele Lunn joined in 2008. They both undertook tours of Afghanistan.
You can view the official brochure with more information on the memorial and messages from Her Majesty and Prime Minister Theresa May here.
Afterwards the royals attended a reception where they met veterans and their families.
William and Kate with Prince Edward at the reception.
Talk turned to Princess Charlotte with Kate revealing "She is the one in charge".
William and Kate with Prince Edward at the reception.
Talk turned to Princess Charlotte with Kate revealing "She is the one in charge".
More from Simon Perry's story:
Prince William meets beneficiaries. You'll notice Kate's private secretary Rebecca Deacon in the background, earlier this week the Palace confirmed she will be moving on from her role later this summer.
'Kate spent some time with the wife of a Royal Marine commando, swapping notes about their young daughters. “She said that Charlotte is growing up really fast. She is the one in charge,” Samantha Burge, wife of Warrant Officer Class 2 Chris Burge, told reporters.
“We have both got 2-year-olds and they are ruling the roost. It was a bit of a mummy chat,” said Samantha, who is mom to daughters Isabella, 4, and Amelia, 22 months — similar in age to George and Charlotte. “[She said] they are both becoming really good friends, George and Charlotte,” Samantha said.'
Prince William meets beneficiaries. You'll notice Kate's private secretary Rebecca Deacon in the background, earlier this week the Palace confirmed she will be moving on from her role later this summer.
Prince Harry chats to triple amputee Ben Weston.
The Countess of Wessex was delighted to meet Alfie and his parents who earlier presented the Queen with a posy.
The Duchess of Gloucester visited Basra, in Iraq, in 2008 and today attended the memorial reception.
The Duchess of Cornwall wore her 4 Rifles brooch today. Camilla is Royal Colonel of 4th Battalion The Rifles.
Prince Charles meets guests.
Supporting the Armed Forces and charities which support them and their families has been an important part of Princess Anne's work.
Kate also met civilian personnel.
Another shot of the Duchess mingling with guests.
The Duchess chose her Michael Kors coatdress for the event.
Kate debuted the piece on ANZAC Day - the final day of the Australia tour in 2014 and sported it again last year for the official opening of the Magic Garden at Hampton Court Palace. The indigo twill jacquard swing coat features a full skirt and front flap pockets. It's a classic piece and a very appropriate choice for the nature of the occasion.
The Duchess of Gloucester visited Basra, in Iraq, in 2008 and today attended the memorial reception.
The Duchess of Cornwall wore her 4 Rifles brooch today. Camilla is Royal Colonel of 4th Battalion The Rifles.
Prince Charles meets guests.
Supporting the Armed Forces and charities which support them and their families has been an important part of Princess Anne's work.
Kate also met civilian personnel.
Another shot of the Duchess mingling with guests.
The Duchess chose her Michael Kors coatdress for the event.
Kate debuted the piece on ANZAC Day - the final day of the Australia tour in 2014 and sported it again last year for the official opening of the Magic Garden at Hampton Court Palace. The indigo twill jacquard swing coat features a full skirt and front flap pockets. It's a classic piece and a very appropriate choice for the nature of the occasion.
The piece comes from the designers Spring 2014 Collection.
The Telegraph described the look as "elegant yet appropriate" in their article:
Kate teamed the coatdress with the £325 navy Tiffany drop-brim hat by Lock & Co. (with thanks to Royal Romance and MF Stylist Perth).
More form the product description:
The Duchess accessorised with her beautiful G. Collins & Sons tanzanite and diamond pendant and earrings. The pear shaped pendant retailed for £8,400.
"For the sombre occasion, the Duchess turned to a look which served her well for a previous memorial service. She opted for a fit-and flare blue tweed coat by American designer Michael Kors which first debuted during her 2014 tour of Australia and New Zealand. The Duchess finished today's look with a wide-brimmed navy blue hat- thought to be by Lock and Co, navy gloves and co-ordinating suede heels. The Duchess's decision to wear the coat today is a sign of her mastery of the subtleties of national occasions. While an all-black look might have been deemed too much, blue is associated with sending messages of warmth, peace and tranquility."
Kate teamed the coatdress with the £325 navy Tiffany drop-brim hat by Lock & Co. (with thanks to Royal Romance and MF Stylist Perth).
More form the product description:
'Crafted from 100% rabbit fur felt, this 'Breakfast at Tiffany's' hat is a style saviour. The stunning, lipped drop-brim and wide Petersham band make this hat a real classic which is perfect for dressier social engagements.'
The Duchess accessorised with her beautiful G. Collins & Sons tanzanite and diamond pendant and earrings. The pear shaped pendant retailed for £8,400.
A beautiful photo of Kate showcasing her (very Audrey Hepburn inspired) hat and jewels.
What Kate Wore received word from Cornelia James confirming Kate wore their £70 Beatrice Merino Wool Gloves finished with a front bow.
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| Cornelia James |
Kate wore her Rupert Sanderson Malory pumps.
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| Rupert Sanderson |
And carried her navy Muse clutch.
We leave you with news just confirmed by Kensington Palace. "The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will visit the 1st Batallion Irish Guards at the St. Patrick's Day Parade on Friday 17th March". It's going to be a busy day for the couple. I expect will travel straight to Paris afterwards.
