On Wednesday, King Charles III led the 80th anniversary commemorations of the World War II D-Day landings, joined by British veterans, senior royals, and political leaders. The 75-year-old monarch, who recently resumed public engagements amid his battle with cancer, spoke at a remembrance event organized by the Ministry of Defence in Portsmouth, on England’s south coast.
Allied troops began their historic departure from the port city and other southern English coast sites on June 5, 1944, crossing the Channel and landing the next morning on the beaches of northern France.
Addressing the flag-waving audience, King Charles expressed deep gratitude: “As we give thanks for all those who gave so much to win the victory whose fruits we still enjoy to this day, let us once again commit ourselves always to remember, cherish and honour those who served that day.”
As head of state and commander-in-chief of Britain’s armed forces, Charles has a personal connection to the military, having served in the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force. He and Queen Camilla will continue their commemorations in France on Thursday.
Senior royals, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, and WWII veterans will join numerous heads of state, including US President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron, for services across Normandy. This visit marks Charles’s first overseas trip since his cancer diagnosis was announced in February.
Wednesday’s UK commemorations featured readings, music, reenactments from the period, and recollections from D-Day veterans, primarily in pre-recorded videos. Roy Hayward, a veteran who was 19 at the time of the landings, spoke emotionally about his experiences. “I always considered myself one of the lucky ones that survived because so many of us didn’t,” said Hayward, who later lost both legs to amputation. “I represent the men and women who put their lives on hold to go and fight for democracy and this country. I’m here to honour their memory and their legacy, and to ensure that their story is never forgotten.”
Prince William, Charles’s elder son and heir, also addressed the assembled dignitaries. Drawing from his own experience as an RAF search and rescue pilot, he read an extract from a veteran’s diary, honouring the bravery of those who crossed the sea to liberate Europe.
The leaders of Britain’s main political parties paused their general election campaigning for the July 4 poll to attend the commemorations. Prime Minister Sunak penned a message for the event program and read out a message originally delivered to all D-Day troops. Labour opposition leader Keir Starmer attended the event, witnessing the solemn tributes alongside other dignitaries. Just hours earlier, Sunak and Starmer had clashed fiercely in the first live TV debate of the election campaign.
