Funeral for 99-year-old former servicewoman Daphne Dunne
The 99-year-old former servicewoman who touched the world with her heartfelt interactions with Prince Harry was remembered as a “cheerful, cheeky and chatty” inspiration at her funeral in Sydney.
NSW
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The 99-year-old former servicewoman who touched the world with her heartfelt interactions with Prince Harry was remembered as a “cheerful, cheeky and chatty” inspiration at her funeral in Sydney.
Daphne Dunne was farewelled by family, friends and high-profile Australians, including Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s wife, Jenny Morrison, in a celebratory service at the St Phillip’s Anglican Church on Tuesday.
The service came almost 75 years to the day in the same church Ms Dunne married her first husband, Lt. Albert Chowne, who was later killed in action New Guinea toward the end of World War II in 1945.
Lt Chowne was awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross for his bravery, which was accepted by Ms Dunne and worn proudly for the next seven decades at every commemorative event.
Ms Dunne, who died of pneumonia on April 1, was recognised for her own military service as a lieutenant and then corporal during World War II and her support of veterans as the wife of two decorated servicemen.
Ms Dunne famously managed to capture the attention of Prince Harry on three separate royal visits to Australia, gaining worldwide attention in 2018 when the Duke of Sussex rushed over to greet her at the Sydney Opera House.
Her daughter Michelle Haywood fondly recalled Ms Dunne’s first meeting with Harry, or “my Prince Harry” as she always called the Royal.
“Mum asked him if he knew what the Victoria Cross was … he said ‘of course’ and she said I’m glad because your mother and grandmother knew as well,” she said.
Ms Haywood said her mother was “struck” by Prince Harry’s passion and his determination to make a difference in the world.
“They shared a common understanding of … service to others,” she said.
Ms Haywood said her mother lost “all three men she loved all too early” having never met her father, and later losing her second husband, Corporal John Dunne, to cancer.
“Mum took every opportunity to share her message of love and peace,” she said.
Ms Haywood said her mother loved attending Mardi Gras and cherished her visit to the Australian War Memorial last year.
“Mums zest for life, love of the now, gave her energy to do so much in later years,” she said.
The service opened with a procession of Waltzing Matilda, followed by a Welcome to Country and tributes from family and dignitaries including Colonel Michael Miller on behalf of the Governor of NSW.
Corp Miller said Ms Dunne’s own military service was often overlooked.
“She sought to serve,” he said.
The Last Post was also played before a minute of silence and the Reveille. A public memorial service for Ms Dunne will be held at the St James’ Church at King St, Sydney at 10.30am on May 17.
Originally published as Funeral for 99-year-old former servicewoman Daphne Dunne
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