HRH Prince Harry was the guest of honour at the First World War Centenary event in Folkestone today.

He was there to ‘unveil’ a commemorative arch on the Leas which has been erected in memory of the millions of people – men and women, Red Cross nurses and soldiers – who passed through the port of Folkestone en route to or from the Western front from 1915 onwards.

The Step Short charity has been working on a programme of educational and commemorative events to mark the centenary for the past seven years.

The charity has had support and financial backing from Shepway District Council and Kent County Council as well as funding from the Roger De Haan Charitable Trust and many others.

Paul Carter, Leader of Kent County Council, who welcomed HRH Prince Harry to the town, said “The arch is a fitting memorial to the sacrifice of millions of soldiers and others who passed through the town on the way to the front line and I am delighted that the county council was able to help make it happen.

“Today’s ceremony was a moving tribute to the vital role the county played in the conflict 100 years ago.”