The great-great-grandson of the German emporer who declared World War I is to speak at a carol ceremony at Selhurst Park. 

Prince Philip Kiril of Prussia, whose ancestor Kaiser Wilhelm II in August 1914 proclaimed the start of the conflict that would go to claim more than 37 million lives, is to deliver a message of peace during the 100th year since the war.

He will address an audience including Crystal Palace manager Neil Warnock tomorrow night at the home of the club who were forced to locate when the famous glass building that lent its name became a naval training base in 1914.

Several Palace players went to war with the 17th Service Battalion of the Middlesex Regiment and never returned.

Norman Wood, Edwin Myers, Richard Harker and John Williams were among the players who died serving for what became known as the "football battalion".

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Prince Philip Kiril of Prussia will speak at Selhust Park tomorrow

Prince Philip, a Lutheran minister, said: "I have accepted the guilt of Wilhelm II but so far no-one has asked for forgiveness for his actions.

"Politics and even history are shaped by man, by certain individuals. And man is driven by his heart and his convictions.

"So, repentance, forgiveness and reconciliation are very important to minimise hatred. Then trust and brotherhood can grow."

Ian King, Crystal Palace's historian, said the war "had a profound and lasting effect on the club".

"When war was declared in 1914, the Crystal Palace was requisitioned as a naval training station,' explained Crystal Palace historian Ian King.

'The club played at Herne Hill until 1918 when it moved to the Nest, next to Selhurst station, before its final move to Selhurst Park in 1924. It has never returned to its original home."

Prince Philip will speak at Silent Night Carols, a ceremony taking place concurrently at more than 50 football stadia and 456 cathedrals, churches and schools around the country.

Archbishop Tenison's school choir, a Salvation Army band, Lantern Theatre Company, Boys' Brigade and the Seventh Day Adventist Choir will also take part.

The events are being orchestrated by the Christian charity Hope Together to mark the centenary of the war.

Free tickets can be booked here.