Queen Elizabeth Secret Ceremony

15 October 2009

0Comments | Comment on this Article

Britain's Queen Elizabeth attended a surprise ceremony to mark the centenary of the secret service yesterday (15.10.09).

The monarch and husband Prince Philip were among those who gathered at London's Westminster Abbey for the service to celebrate the work of MI5 and MI6.

The ceremony was held in the cloisters of the Abbey, and the queen unveiled a plaque in honour of all the secret service staff who have helped protect the country.

For two years now I have seen in detail, day in, day out, how well it serves us still

Also in attendance was UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Foreign Secretary David Miliband, Home Secretary Alan Johnson and the chiefs of MI6, MI5 and GCHQ, the signals intelligence centre.

Brown said: "Whether in confronting the might of imperial Germany and then the axis powers, bringing the Cold War to its end, or curbing the modern terror that has its roots in the mountains of Afghanistan, our intelligence services have been at the very heart of the fight to defend our freedom, our security and our democratic way of life.

"For two years now I have seen in detail, day in, day out, how well it serves us still. So today, let me say to the men and women of our security and intelligence services - the debt of gratitude we owe you runs deeper than we can ever know, and for that you have the thanks of our entire nation."

0Comments | Be the first to comment!