King says we are ‘eternally in debt’ to D-Day veterans in moving speech – live

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King Charles reads diary entry from grandfather George VI on D-Day anniversary

King Charles III has said we are “eternally in debt” to veterans as he addressed the crowd in a moving speech at the 80th anniversary D-Day memorial event.

With Queen Camilla stood beside him, he said: “It is a near impossible task to imagine the emotion of that day.”

He added: “It is our duty to ensure that we and future generations do not forget their service and their sacrifice in replacing tyranny with freedom.”

Prince William also addressed the crowd as he said: “We will always remember those who served and those who waved them off.

“The mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, sons and daughters who watched their loved ones go into battle, unsure if they would ever return.”

The prince read an extract from the diary of Captain Alastair Bannerman of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment, a soldier who was part of D-Day, addressed to his wife on the morning of the landings.

Charles also honoured his grandfather in a special clip that will be part of a BBC film to be broadcast today.

Reading aloud from his grandfather’s wartime diary, he says: “My grandfather was so determined to go. He got very frustrated because they wouldn’t let him go until several days later.”

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King speaks of duty to remember soldiers’ sacrifice

“It is our duty to ensure that we and future generations do not forget their service and their sacrifice in replacing tyranny with freedom.”

(Dylan Martinez/PA Wire)

Maryam Zakir-Hussain5 June 2024 12:12

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Charles: ‘The stories of courage cannot fail to move us’

The King has paid tribute to D-Day veterans at a commemorative event in Portsmouth ahead of the 80th anniversary.

He said: “The stories of courage, resilience and solidarity 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.”

(Andrew Matthews/PA Wire)

Maryam Zakir-Hussain5 June 2024 11:55

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King Charles and Queen Camilla met with applause as they arrive at D-Day event

The King and Queen arrived at the D-Day commemorative event in Portsmouth shortly before 11.40am.

Charles and Camilla were introduced on stage by host Dame Helen Mirren to a standing ovation and applause from the crowd.

The King greeted the crowd with a wave.

(Andrew Matthews/PA Wire)

Maryam Zakir-Hussain5 June 2024 11:44

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William ‘deeply honoured’ as he delivers a reading to D-Day veterans

The Prince of Wales said he was “deeply honoured” as he delivered a reading on stage at the D-Day commemorative event.

William said: “We will always remember those who served and those who waved them off.”

The prince read an extract from the diary of Captain Alastair Bannerman of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment, a soldier who was part of D-Day, addressed to his wife on the morning of the landings.

Part of the extract read: “A long line of flares hangs over Cherbourg, or I suppose it is Cherbourg, and a few anti-aircraft tracer shots go up in the air above the immediate front line.

“Funny to imagine that there (sic) Germans run around their guns. I would like to know what they are thinking. The whole Channel between us and Cherbourg is filled with little ships which all quietly and efficiently sail towards France.

“The British, Canadian and American fighting forces on the war-path.”

Maryam Zakir-Hussain5 June 2024 11:30

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King expresses his ‘profound admiration and respect’ for D-Day veterans

The King has spoken of his “profound admiration and respect” for those who took part in D-Day.

In a message in the programme for the D-Day 80 national commemoration in Portsmouth, Charles wrote: “On 6 June 1944, following an intense period of preparation uniting military planning and civilian industrial ingenuity, nearly 160,000 young men landed under enemy fire on the beaches of Normandy. Each of these courageous sailors, soldiers and aviators risked his life so that others might live in freedom and in peace. Many were never to return.

“Eighty years later, it remains our solemn duty to continue to honour the outstanding gallantry, service and sacrifice of those who took part in that perilous mission.

“We do so with the most profound admiration and respect, and with everlasting gratitude.”

Maryam Zakir-Hussain5 June 2024 11:24

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Dame Helen Mirren praises bravery of the veterans

Addressing the audience at the D-Day commemorative event in Portsmouth, Dame Helen Mirren praised the bravery of the veterans in attendance.

She said: “The presence today of some of those who contributed to that remarkable venture is an extraordinary privilege.

“Your bravery remains as inspiring now as it was eight decades ago. Thank you.”

(Andrew Matthews/PA Wire)

Maryam Zakir-Hussain5 June 2024 11:17

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William and Sunak laugh as they engage in conversation at memorial event

The Prince of Wales and Rishi Sunak engage in conversation as they wait for the memorial event to begin.

(AP)
(Dylan Martinez/PA Wire)

Maryam Zakir-Hussain5 June 2024 11:15

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Prince of Wales smiles as he mingles with prime minister at 80th anniversary event of D-Day

The Prince of Wales appeared jovial as he shook hands with Rishi Sunak and political leaders as he arrived at the 80th anniversary of D-Day in Portsmouth.

(Andrew Matthews/PA Wire)
(Andrew Matthews/PA Wire)

Maryam Zakir-Hussain5 June 2024 11:03

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Prince of Wales arrives at D-Day memorial event

(Andrew Matthews/PA Wire)

Maryam Zakir-Hussain5 June 2024 11:00

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PM’s wife Akshata Murty speaks to David Cameron at memorial event

(Andrew Matthews/PA Wire)
(Dylan Martinez/PA Wire)

Maryam Zakir-Hussain5 June 2024 10:55

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