king Charles, Queen Camilla and Prince William are due to attend a series of commemorative events in France on Thursday to mark the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings.
As Patron of the Royal British Legion, the monarch and his wife visited the Ministry of Defence and the Royal British Legion’s commemorative event at the British Normandy Memorial at Ver-sur-Mer.
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© Getty ImagesHis Majesty lead the ceremony at Gold Beach alongside the President of France, Emmanuel Macron. The site, which opened in 2021, pays tribute to 22,442 service personnel under British command who died on D-Day and during the Battle of Normandy in the summer of 1944.
For the special occasion, Charles looked smart in a Field Marshall No.4 Tropical Service Dress with medals and decorations, while Camilla looked elegant in a flowing white coat dress and a matching hat.
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© Getty ImagesPrime Minister Rishi Sunak spoke at the service and paid tribute to the veterans who “freed a continent and built a better world”.
He added: “Each of you who contributed that day – sailor, soldier, aviator, civilian – whether you fought on the beaches, or parachuted from the skies, or flew fighters or gliders, whether you were an engineer or a radio operator or an intelligence officer, your actions freed a continent and built a better world.
“You risked everything and we owe you everything. We cannot possibly hope to repay that debt but we can and we must pledge never to forget.”
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© Getty ImagesActor Martin Freeman, 52, spoke during the poignant event.
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© Getty ImagesMusician and actor Johnny Flynn performed a moving song with an acoustic guitar. Elsewhere, Tom Jones performed a rendition of ‘I Won’t Crumble With You If You Fall’, while singer Naomi Kimpenu moved crowds with a spine-tingling performance.
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© Getty ImagesDuring the event, King Charles delivered a heartfelt speech in which he paid tribute to the those who fought in the D-Day invasion. “It is with the most profound sense of gratitude that we remember them and all who served at that critical time”, he said. “We recall the lesson that comes to us, again and again, across the decades: free Nations must stand together to oppose tyranny.”
Veterans appeared visibly moved by Charles’ speech and could be seen wiping away tears.
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© Getty ImagesKing Charles, Queen Camilla, Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte assembled to lay poppy wreaths. Following the service, Charles and Camilla took time to greet and shake hands with some of the veterans in attendance.
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© Getty ImagesMeanwhile, Prince William, 41, attended the Canadian commemorative ceremony at the Juno Beach Centre, Courseulles-sur-Mer, hosted by the Government of Canada. Upon arrival, he was greeted by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and French prime minister Gabriel Attal.
At the event, he joined Canadian D-Day and Second World War Veterans, as well as Canadian Armed Forces personnel, cadets, and wider youth representatives.
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© Getty ImagesFor the occasion, Prince William wore a smart navy suit, his Army Air Corps tie and five medals: a Golden Jubilee medal, a Diamond Jubilee medal, a Platinum Jubilee medal, a Coronation medal and a Great Master of The Most Honourable Order of the Bath neck order
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© Getty ImagesDuring the event, Prince William gave a speech in which he praised the “bravery and sacrifice of the Canadian troops, who gave so much 80 years ago”.
He added: “All of you demonstrated heroism, and determination, that ensured fascism was conquered. The commitment to service displayed by Canadian troops is a great testament to the strength of the people of Canada.”
“Ensuring the memory of those who fought for freedom lives on is why we’ve come together again today – to say thank you. Merci pour notre liberte, et merci pour votre service.”
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© Getty ImagesAfter his speech, Prince William joined Gabriel and Justin to lay wreaths.
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© Getty ImagesThe royal also paused to greet veterans at the ceremony.
Take a look at Charles’ speech in the video below…
