Camilla's tears after King Charles and Prince William's heartbreakingly emotional speeches on D-Day
Prince William made a moving speech as he marked the upcoming 80th anniversary of D-Day on Wednesday, 5 June alongside King Charles and Queen Camilla, who could be seen looking teary-eyed.
Prince William, who recently paid tribute to former Rugby League player Rob Burrow, headed to Portsmouth for the commemorative D-Day event where he spoke of the “bravery” and “strength” displayed by veterans.
As he marked the historic milestone, the 41 year old told the crowd that he was “deeply honoured” to be attending the event as he came together with guests to remember those who fought and died in what was the largest seaborne invasion in history.
“I am deeply honoured to join you today to recognise the bravery of all of those like John Haddock who participated in the D-Day landings, the start of the liberation of France and Europe, that led to victory of the Allied Powers,” he said.
“Our guests of honour today are those veterans from the Normandy landing, that came from across our nation and from all walks of life to join in the fight against tyranny. Many of those that took up arms had never seen combat before, some were still only in their teens.
“In their letters and diaries, we see their great strength.”
The Prince of Wales then read an extract from a letter which had been written by Captain Alastair Bannerman of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment - a soldier who had written a letter in his diary the morning of D-Day and had addressed the correspondence to his wife.
After reading the emotional letter, Prince William explained that while Captain Bannerman was able to return home to his wife and sons the following April, many others never did.
“Captain Bannerman survived the landings and the war, being taken prisoner and returning home to his wife and sons in April the next year. Too many never returned. They remain in ‘some corner of a foreign field that is forever England’,” he continued.
“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.
“Today we remember the bravery of those who crossed this sea to liberate Europe. Those who ensured that Operation Overlord was a success. And those who waited for their safe return.”
For the occasion, the royal wore medals including the Great Master of The Most Honourable Order of the Bath as well as the Golden, Diamond and Platinum Jubilee medals and a coronation medal.
King Charles, who recently made a surprise appearance at the Epsom races, also delivered an emotional speech at the event, where he paid tribute to the “courage, resilience and solidarity” of D-Day veterans and praised the “profound admiration and respect” for the people who took part.
Today’s event marked one of many events which will be taking across the UK and France this week to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day. Prince William will also travel to Normandy for the international commemorative ceremony at Omaha Beach on Thursday, 6 June.
