The Princess Royal, wearing uniform and accompanied by her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, gave special thanks for the efforts of all branches of the Armed Forces for their service during the Covid pandemic. Many of those invited to a special VIP lunch at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire played key roles in helping Britain tackle the pandemic, including driving ambulances and carrying out Covid tests.

       The event culminated with a spectacular flypast by the Red Arrows.

       Boris Johnson had already hosted military personnel in the Downing Street rose garden last week and visited 4th Battalion The Rifles at New Normandy Barracks in Aldershot.

       He said: “Our fantastic men and women in uniform are the best trained, the best led, the most dedicated bunch of people you will ever meet. We owe you more than I can ever say.”

       Hundreds of events were held across the UK to mark the annual celebration of serving troops, their families, veterans and cadets.

       However, Covid restrictions meant that many were held virtually while others were cancelled altogether, including the Armed Forces Day National Event which has been postponed to next year when it will be held in Scarborough.

       The Royal Family’s official Twitter account carried a message of thanks to “every regular, reserve, cadet and veteran” who has served with the Armed Forces.

       A tweet from the account of the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall said: “Since the start of the pandemic, our Armed Forces have been there to help the nation through the difficult times, from setting up Covid-19 testing sites to supporting the NHS by assisting ambulance workers. Thank you all for your service.”