The Queen, Theresa May and former prime minister Tony Blair were among those paying tribute to the Armed Forces and civilians who served their country during the Gulf War and conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

They were joined by the Duke of Edinburgh, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Harry, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall for the moving service at Horse Guards Parade in central London ahead of the unveiling of a national memorial.

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.

The Queen said it was with "pride" that the country honoured the contribution of those who served the nation, in a foreword written for the event's official programme in which she paid tribute to those who worked to bring "peace and stability" to Iraq and Afghanistan.

Around 2,500 guests including veterans and their families, charity workers and civil servants were also at the service, which has been overshadowed by strong criticism from some military widows who were not invited or informed about the event.