The sacrifice and dedication of thousands of military personnel and civilians who fought and worked to bring stability to Iraq and Afghanistan has been honoured with a national memorial.
The Queen led the nation in recognising the efforts of soldiers, civil servants, charity workers and medical staff who put themselves in harm's way or worked to improve the lives of others when she unveiled the new landmark in the heart of London.
The monarch was joined by Prime Minister Theresa May and former premier Tony Blair, a controversial figure to some over his decision to take the UK into the Iraq War.
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Former prime ministers Sir John Major, David Cameron and Mr Blair - under whose leadership the conflicts were fought - also attended, along with other senior ministers.
Senior members of the Royal Family were also present, including the Duke of Edinburgh, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Harry, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall for a moving drumhead service at Horse Guards Parade in central London ahead of the unveiling.
The event has been overshadowed by strong criticism from some military widows who said they had not received an invitation or been made aware the ceremony was taking place.
Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron, speaking in the House of Commons on Wednesday, had urged Mrs May to apologise to the relatives of military personnel killed in Iraq and Afghanistan for the "careless oversight" which at the time could have seen them missing the unveiling.
In reply, the PM said no-one from the "bereaved community'' had been turned away.
Guests were bathed in warm sunshine for the military drumhead ceremony and the following smaller service of dedication at the memorial itself, built in the shadow of the Ministry of Defence building in Victoria Embankment Gardens.
There was a heavy armed police presence in the area and the busy thoroughfare of Victoria Embankment was closed to traffic on the stretch that ran past the memorial.
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