Prince Charles, Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro highlight Ukraine invasion in Anzac Day messages

Prince Charles and New Zealand's Governor-General are among those commemorating Anzac Day. 

As people gather around the country for dawn services the royal and his wife Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, shared their respects. 

"On this A.N.Z.A.C. Day, my wife and I are thinking of all the courageous troops who endured so much in 1915 on the beaches and in the rugged hills of the Gallipoli Peninsula," Prince Charles said in a statement.

The Prince of Wales also alluded to the Ukraine invasion which has seen more than 13 million people displaced and thousands more killed and injured. 

"As we pause to reflect on the sacrifice of the Armed Services personnel of Australia and New Zealand in two World Wars, and in other conflicts and peacekeeping operations, our thoughts will also be with those communities around the world who are being torn apart by violence and conflict, and those who are fighting for freedom in the face of oppression," Prince Charles said. 

"In 1916, one year after the Gallipoli landings, my great-grandfather, King George V, wrote of the first A.N.Z.A.C.s, 'They gave their lives for a supreme cause in gallant comradeship'. 

"One hundred and six years later, gallant comradeship remains a defining mark of the uniformed men and women of New Zealand and Australia.

"Lest we forget," he concluded. 

Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro also paid her respects during a dawn service. 

"I especially acknowledge our veterans – those who are here with us today, and those here in spirit – wherever you may be across the country," Dame Kiro said. "I am proud to have as part of my title, Commander-in-Chief. Today, we also acknowledge members of the New Zealand Defence Force who are deployed overseas, often working in dangerous and complex situations requiring the utmost sensitivity, skill, and care.

"Every New Zealander who has served our country in war or conflict deserves our greatest respect – this day and every day. Let us honour our brave service personnel, and all who have lost their lives in service to New Zealand." 

Dame Kiro also highlighted the Ukraine invasion in her speech, saying she deeply feels for those suffering. 

"Anzac Day in 2022 finds us weary from the stress of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and witness to disturbing new discord across the world.

"We feel deeply for those suffering in current conflicts. For them, the simple joys of normal life – home and family, work and friends – have been replaced by the daily struggle to keep themselves and loved ones safe. Their new reality is one of trauma, grief, and displacement.

 "While there is much that we, as individuals, are powerless to change, as the light of a new day spreads over Pukeahu and Aotearoa, we can resolve to continue to be there for each other, and for all who are affected by war and conflict – past and present."

Anzac Day was first held in 1916. It honours the more than 250,000 New Zealanders who have served overseas in military conflicts.