THE great-granddaughter of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, whose assassination sparked the First World War, will be the guest of honour at this year’s Festival of Remembrance in Southampton.

Her Serene Highness Princess Sophie von Hohenberg will be in attendance as the city hosts the largest festival of remembrance outside of London this autumn.

Some of the country’s finest military bands will perform at the Mayflower Theatre at the event, organised by Hampshire Royal British Legion.

This year’s event on November 1 will take place 101 years after the beginning of the First World War, which was sparked by the assassination of the heir to the throne of Austria-Hungary, Franz Ferdinand.

His murder in Sarajevo sparked the chain of events that led to all of the great powers of Europe becoming involved in the conflict that would claim the lives of more than 17 million people.

His descendant, Princess Sophie, will be the guest of honour at this year’s event which will again feature a range of the UK’s best military bands.

Daily Echo: Her Serene Highness Princess Sophie von Hohenberg

They will include the Bands of the Adjutant General’s Corps, the Rifles and the Queen’s Division, and they will be joined by the Southampton Philharmonic Band.

Last year’s event saw bands perform alongside 100 singers from the Philharmonic Choir and the Southampton University Philharmonic Choir, guided by the baton of Captain Tony Adams.

It was compered by Saints legend Matt Le Tissier and also featured a performance of Behind the Lines, a work composed by Rifleman Cecil Coles, who was killed in action against the Germans in 1918.

Clare Peppiatt, the Legion’s community fundraiser for South Hampshire, said: “The overwhelming success of the event at the Southampton Guildhall for the last two years is not only due to the people that made it happen but to the masses that bought tickets which helped us to raise over £10,000 for the Poppy Appeal.

“We are in the privileged position of holding this year’s performance at the Mayflower Theatre.

“I cannot describe how wonderful everyone involved in the event has been and we are really excited about this year’s performance and the guests that will attend.”

Daily Echo: Archduke Franz Ferdinand

More information on this year’s event will be released ahead of the festival on November 1.

Tickets for this year’s festival cost from £16.50 to £21.50 and are available from the Mayflower box office on 02380 711811.