King Charles and Prince William Lead D-Day Commemorations
The British sovereign plays an important role leading the nation in honoring those who fought and died in combat. And across the next two days King Charles will be carrying out some of the most significant appearances of his reign so far as the world marks the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings. Members of the royal family are out in force today and tomorrow as commemorations are held in Britain and France to remember the historic military operation which took place on June 6, 1944 during the Second World War. The King, Queen, and Prince William all began the day in Portsmouth where they attended the UK’s national commemorative event alongside veterans of the landings. During the service, Prince William read an extract from the diary of Captain Alastair Bannerman, a soldier who was part of the D-Day landings. The King also made a speech.
“The stories of courage, resilience and solidarity which we have heard today, and throughout our lives, cannot fail to move us, to inspire us, and to remind us of what we owe to that great wartime generation – now, tragically, dwindling to so few,” the King said. “It is our privilege to hear their testimony, but our role is not purely passive: it is our duty to ensure that we, and future generations, do not forget their service and their sacrifice in replacing tyranny with freedom.”
Meanwhile, Princess Anne is in Normandy where she was scheduled to attend services at the Bayeux War Cemetery and the Bayeux Cathedral today. The King, Queen and Prince of Wales will all travel to France tomorrow as leaders from across the world convene for the anniversary. King Charles, who has just returned to work following his diagnosis with an undisclosed form of cancer, will attend the Royal British Legion’s commemorative event at Ver-sur-Mer alongside Camilla. However, his cancer treatment still continues and it was decided that the international event later that afternoon at Omaha Beach may be a step too far for him. Prince William will therefore represent his father at the ceremony alongside more than 25 heads of state from across the globe. President Biden landed in France today for the commemorations where he was scheduled to deliver remarks and greet American veterans and their families.
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