A memorial was held to mark the 128th anniversary of the death of Maharaja Duleep Singh - the last Emperor of the Punjab.

Local officials and representatives of the Punjabi community paid their respects to the last ruler of the Sikh Empire at a wreath laying ceremony at St Andrew and St Patrick's Church in Elveden on October 22.

Maharajah Duleep Singh bought the Elveden Estate in 1863, where he lived for more than 20 years.

Eastern Daily Press: Representatives of the Punjabi community gathered at St Andrew and St Patrick's Church in Elveden to mark the 128th anniversary of Maharajah Duleep Singh's death.Representatives of the Punjabi community gathered at St Andrew and St Patrick's Church in Elveden to mark the 128th anniversary of Maharajah Duleep Singh's death. (Image: Anglo Punjab Heritage Foundation)

The event, organised by the Anglo Punjab Heritage Foundation and Sikh historian and author Peter Bance, was attended by mayor of Thetford Mike Brindle, Major Daljinder Singh Virdee of the British Armed Forces, Captain J Sohal of the Commonwealth War Graves Foundation, chairman of Breckland Council Roy Brame and members of other Sikh groups.

A service was also held at the church, conducted by rev Paul Tamms, and a Sikh prayer was recited by Giani Baldev Singh of Norwich Gurdwara.

Eastern Daily Press: Town crier Mike Wabe recited a proclamation on the Maharaja.Town crier Mike Wabe recited a proclamation on the Maharaja. (Image: Anglo Punjab Heritage Foundation)

Mr Bance reflected on the "difficult time" over the past 18 months, adding that the memorial service was an opportunity to reflect and remember those who had lost their lives during the pandemic.

A reception was later held at the Thomas Paine Hotel in Thetford.

Eastern Daily Press: Six wreaths were laid at the grave of Maharaja Duleep Singh in Elveden to mark the 128th anniversary of his death.Six wreaths were laid at the grave of Maharaja Duleep Singh in Elveden to mark the 128th anniversary of his death. (Image: Anglo Punjab Heritage Foundation)

Eastern Daily Press: Thetford mayor Mike Brindle spoke of the privilege of attending the event.Thetford mayor Mike Brindle spoke of the privilege of attending the event. (Image: Anglo Punjab Heritage Foundation)

Eastern Daily Press: Representatives of the Punjabi community gathered at St Andrew and St Patrick's Church in Elveden to mark the 128th anniversary of Maharajah Duleep Singh's death.Representatives of the Punjabi community gathered at St Andrew and St Patrick's Church in Elveden to mark the 128th anniversary of Maharajah Duleep Singh's death. (Image: Anglo Punjab Heritage Foundation)

Eastern Daily Press: Representatives of the Punjabi community gathered in Thetford to mark the 128th anniversary of Maharajah Duleep Singh's death.Representatives of the Punjabi community gathered in Thetford to mark the 128th anniversary of Maharajah Duleep Singh's death. (Image: Anglo Punjab Heritage Foundation)