D-Day – latest: Veteran warns ‘UK on a knife edge’ as Biden says world ‘won’t surrender’ at 80th anniversary

The state of Britain’s military is leaving the UK “on a knife edge” facing the growing prospect of war, a D-Day veteran has warned on the 80th anniversary of the landings marking the start of Europe’s liberation from the Nazis.

King Charles, Joe Biden and Rishi Sunak were among those in attendance in Ver-sur-Mer, France, to pay tribute on Thursday to the sacrifice of those fallen soldiers 80 years ago.

The US president promised the 50 countries standing with Ukraine “will not walk away” or “surrender to the bullies”, as he addressed the crowds, adding: “Make no mistake the autocrats of the world are watching closely to see what happens in Ukraine ... To surrender to bullies, to bow down to dictators is simply unthinkable.”

He added: “History tells us freedom is not free. You want to know the price of freedom come here to Normandy to look.”

And Les Budding, a former Royal Marine who served on a landing craft charged with providing covering fire for the first wave of troops who stormed Sword Beach, warne: “For many, this is the most dangerous time we have lived through ... I am worried about the future.”

Key Points

• Veterans in tears as King Charles speaks of his ‘profound sense of gratitude’

• ‘We owe you everything’: UK PM Sunak pays tribute to veterans

• Forgotten heroes: The D-Day women who changed the course of history

• Prince William praises ‘bravery and sacrifice’ of Canadian troops

• Macron awards Christian Lamb France’s highest honour

What D-Day events are happening today?

08:28 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

9.30am

• The King, Queen and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to attend the UK’s national commemorative event at the British Normandy Memorial, Ver-sur-Mer.

10am

• The Prince of Wales will attend the Canadian commemorative ceremony at the Juno Beach Centre, Courseulles-sur-Mer.

• The Prince of Wales will join more than 25 heads of state and veterans from around the world at the official international ceremony at Omaha Beach, Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer.

• Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh to attend Royal British Legion’s service of remembrance at the National Memorial Arboretum.

3pm

• 80-strong boat Flotilla parade in Falmouth. Around 27,000 American troops departed from the Falmouth area to travel to Normandy in 1944 as part of the D-Day landings.

7.30pm

• The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester to attend D-Day 80: Remembering the Normandy Landings at the Royal Albert Hall, London.

Watch: BBC D-Day broadcast captures explicit hot-mic moment

21:10 , Andy Gregory

Veterans sing ‘Auld Lang Syne’ at D-Day parade in Arrmonanches

20:31 , Andy Gregory

The mayor of Arromanches led a D-Day parade with a Royal Guard Of Honour on Thursday, with veterans Alan Kennett, Stan Ford, and Albert Keir among those singing “Auld Lang Syne”.

Veterans given standing ovation at international ceremony in France

19:50 , Andy Gregory

Veterans were greeted by a standing ovation and world leaders as they arrived at the international ceremony in Saint-Laurent-Sur-Mer in France, where president Emmanuel Macron spoke and awarded orders of merit to veterans.

Some of the men wore military uniforms and medals and were greeted by senior guests including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Several of the ex-servicemen clapped, smiled and saluted as they entered the event with many being pushed in wheelchairs by carers.

A veteran was seen laughing with Mr Trudeau as he joked with the Canadian Prime Minister about needing a haircut.

Mr Zelensky and a second veteran shook hands and embraced as the ex-serviceman said to the Ukrainian President: “You’re the saviour of the people”.

Macron presents American veterans with France’s highest order of merit

19:18 , Andy Gregory

French President Emmanuel Macron smiled as he presented three American veterans with the Legion d’honneur, France’s highest order of merit, at the ceremony.

Before awarding the honours, Mr Macron said: “We thank all of the veterans being present here and I just want to express the gratitude of the French people.”

He added that the three men had a “special relationship” with one of the beaches before shaking hands with the veterans in turn and attaching the medals to their jackets.

BBC apologises after ‘inappropriate comment’ captured during D-Day coverage

18:51 , Andy Gregory

The BBC has apologised for an “inappropriate comment” that was captured during a programme commemorating D-Day.

D-Day 80: Tribute To The Fallen, which aired on June 5, was presented by Kirsty Young, from the Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery in Bayeux, France.

A clip from the live broadcast has been circulated on social media and features a voice that appears to say: “French a***holes”.

A BBC spokesman said: “We sincerely apologise for an inappropriate comment that was captured during live coverage of the D-Day 80 event in Bayeux.”

Macron pays tribute to courage of veterans and of Ukrainians

18:22 , Andy Gregory

French president Emmanuel Macron paid tribute to the bravery of those who served in the Second World War and to the courage of Ukrainian president Zelensky at the D-Day commemoration ceremony.

Addressing veterans and world leaders present at the event, Mr Macron said: “When we look at war coming back to our continent, when we look at people questioning the values for which we fought, when we look at those who want to change borders by force by rewriting history - let us stand with dignity and look at those who landed here.

“Let us have their courage. Here, the president of Ukraine – your presence here today shows us this in a very forceful way.”

As his speech ended, a flyby trailing red, white and blue smoke flew over the event at Saint-Laurent-Sur-Mer in Normandy.

Flotilla sails near Falmouth to mark D-Day anniversary

17:20 , Andy Gregory

An 80-strong boat flotilla, one for each year since the D-Day landings, has been sailing off the coast of Falmouth, where troops departed on D-Day to travel to Normandy.

British paratroopers had to get passports checked after D-Day event jump into France

16:46 , Andy Gregory

British paratroopers were made to show their passports after parachuting into France ahead of D-Day commemorations, my colleague Jabed Ahmed reports.

Hundreds of soldiers parachuted into the same rural drop zone which was used on D-Day 80 years ago in Sannerville, Normandy, on Wednesday.

More than 300 troops jumped into the field, including parachutists from Belgium and the US. As they landed, they were met by a makeshift customs desk and asked to produce their travel documents by French immigration officials. Crowds also went to watch the jump and the troops were applauded after landing.

British paratroopers get passports checked after jump into France

Zelensky applauded at Omaha Beach

16:33 , Andy Gregory

Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky and First Lady Olena Zelenska received a huge round of applause when they arrived at the site of Omaha Beach in Normandy for the international ceremony, marking the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

French president Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron greeted all their senior guests, heads of state or their representatives from around the world, and giant screens showed them warmly welcoming the couple.

‘This is the most dangerous time many have lived through,’ warns D-Day veteran

16:11 , Andy Gregory

Here is a picture of Les Budding, a D-Day veteran who warned on Thursday that he fears, “for many, this is the most dangerous time we have lived through”.

Final commemorative event runs an hour late

16:01 , Andy Gregory

The last major commemorative event of the 80th anniversary of D-Day was running at least an hour late, with US president Joe Biden and his wife Jill Biden the last to arrive.

He quickly greeted some of the world leaders in the front row of the main stand and shared a few words with William before taking his seat.

The event began with contemporary black-and-white footage shown of D-Day and the following days, with bodies lying on the beaches and the wounded being tended.

UK ‘living on a knife edge’ in face of impending war, D-Day veteran fears

15:40 , Andy Gregory

A former Royal Marine who served on a landing craft charged with providing covering fire for the first wave of troops who stormed Sword Beach on D-Day has warned that he believes the UK is “living on a knife edge” in the face of a coming war.

Les Budding, who turns 99 in July, told the BBC: “For many, this is the most dangerous time we have lived through. Another war is coming.”

“I am worried about the future,” he added. “I am concerned about what young people will have to face in the coming years. We are no longer the force we were. We are not prepared.”

“We’re living on a knife edge. People are living in cloud cuckoo land,” Mr Budding continued. “Other countries like Russia and North Korea have been building up their armed forces but we have been sitting back hoping they will see sense. But it’s not going to work.”

D-Day veteran says he became ‘a bit tearful’ during tribute

15:10 , Andy Gregory

A D-Day veteran who paid tribute at the UK national commemorative event to a friend who saved his life, said he became a “bit tearful”.

Arthur Oborne, aged 100, recalled being shot in the lung three days after arriving on Gold Beach. His life was saved by his friend Walter Gummerson, who was killed the next day alongside the rest of his unit.

Mr Oborne, from Portishead, Somerset, told the crowd: “I wish I could tell him that I have never taken his sacrifice for granted and will always remember him and our friends. So Gummy, thank you my old friend.”

Afterwards he said: “I had no problems talking but it was a bit emotional, I was a bit upset and teary. I think everyone did well at the service, I was a bit apprehensive at the start but I wanted to speak.”

Voices: Lest our children forget, remember D-Day not just today, but every day

14:46 , Athena Stavrou

As world leaders join veterans in Normandy marking the 80th anniversary of the Allied campaign to liberate Europe, the valour of the past meets the virtue of the present – but it is clear that the forces of darkness that engulfed much of the continent in the 1930s are still alive, writes historian Anthony Seldon:

Lest our children forget, remember D-Day not just today, but every day

Watch live: French President Macron leads ceremony marking 80th anniversary of D-Day

14:19 , Athena Stavrou

As the commemorative events continue in Normandy, watch French President Macron leading the ceremony to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day live:

Joe and Jill Biden walk alongside Brigitte and Emmanuel Macron

14:14 , Athena Stavrou

Full story: Biden links defense of Ukraine to heroism of D-Day as he warns ‘dark forces’ have not faded: ‘We will not walk away’

14:04 , Athena Stavrou

Eighty years to the day British, American, and Canadian soldiers landed in France and began the fight to liberate Europe from Hitler, President Joe Biden told an audience of world leaders and veterans that their fight against Nazism is echoed in the fight against Russian aggression being waged by Ukrainian soldiers and their allies today.

Biden, who traveled to France on Tuesday for the anniversary of the allied invasion of Europe known as Operation Overlord, told the assembled veterans, that it was his “highest honor” to salute them, as he recalled how several of the individuals present on stage with him had contributed to the allied victory that day.

Andrew Feinberg reports:

Biden links defense of Ukraine to D-Day heroism in anniversary speech

Biden meets D-Day veterans in Normandy

14:02 , Athena Stavrou

Watch: Biden warns world 'will not surrender to bullies' as he commemorates 80th D-Day

13:50 , Athena Stavrou

Biden says NATO ‘will not walk away’ or ‘bow down to bullies'

13:26 , Athena Stavrou

The United States and NATO will not walk away from the crisis in Ukraine, U.S. President Joe Biden said in a D-Day speech in Normandy, France, on Thursday.

Biden said Ukraine, which is at war with Russia, was invaded by a “tyrant intent on domination” and that democracy was now more at risk than at any point since World War Two.

“Make no mistake, we will not bow down, we cannot surrender to the bullies, it is simply unthinkable. If we do, freedom will be subjugated, all Europe will be threatened “ he said in Colleville-sur-Mer.

13:17 , Athena Stavrou

Biden has paid tribute to D-Day ‘hero’ veterans as he addressed attendees at a commemorative event in Normandy.

He said: “On behalf of the the American people, it’s the highest honour to salute you in Normandy once more. God love you.”

He went on to quotes former British prime minister Winston Churchill, saying: “He called what happened here ‘the greatest most complicated operation ever’ - after years of planning, Operation Overlord was ready to launch just as the weather turned.”

“Men, guns, planes, naval craft waited. Finally, President Dwight D Eisenhower’s forecasts said there was a window in the weather that opened on 6 June and he gave the order that at dawn, the allies would strike”.

13:13 , Athena Stavrou

US President Joe Biden began his D-Day speech in Normandy: “The hour had nearly come. Monday, June 5, 1944. The evil third Reich had devastated the world. Nazi Germany had subjugated the once free nations of Europe through brute force, lies and twisted ideology.

“Millions of Jews were in the holocaust. Millions of others were killed by bombs, bullets and bloody warfare. Hitler and those with him thought democracies were weak and the future belonged to dictators.”

Joe Biden addressing veterans at D-Day event

13:11 , Athena Stavrou

US President Joe Biden is currently addressing veterans and world leaders at a D-Day event in Normandy France.

Pictured: The latest images from the 80th anniversary events

12:50 , Joe Middleton

'We just have to remember the sacrifices of everybody who gave us our freedom’

12:46 , Joe Middleton

A Briton now living in Florida whose grandfather served with the British Army during World War II and was captured in Malta said she was “humbled” to be at the events in Normandy.

Becky Kraubetz said: “It’s so historic and we just have to remember the sacrifices of everybody who gave us our freedom.

“It gives you goosebumps, everything that happened here. Imagine just jumping into the water, freezing cold,” the 54-year-old said as she gazed across the English Channel, tears in her eyes.

“The bravery, the courage, for people to face that is just unbelievable — very, very humbled to be here.”

President Zelensky arrives in Normandy

12:39 , Joe Middleton

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has joined other world leaders after landing in Normandy this morning.

In a tweet, he said: “We will also be honored to participate in a special event commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Allied landings in Normandy.

“This event and day serve as a reminder of the courage and determination demonstrated in the pursuit of freedom and democracy. Allies defended Europe’s freedom then, and Ukrainians do so now. Unity prevailed then, and true unity can prevail today.”

Prince William chats to veterans after playing of the Last Post

12:17 , Joe Middleton

After the Canadian ceremony on Juno Beach, which included the playing of the Last Post and the observance of a minute’s silence, alongside performances from Canadian musicians, William and the politicians briefly chatted to some of the veterans.

The prince asked one old servicemen “memories bringing it all back?” and with the area now a picturesque stretch of sand with beach homes beyond the dunes, he added “there’s been a lot of changes.”

William moved on to talk to another Canadian veteran, and when the conversation turned toward the ages of the men who fought on D-Day the future king said “a lot of people were lying about their ages”.

Macron pledges that ‘France will never forget’ those who fought to liberate his country

11:57 , Joe Middleton

French president Emmanuel Macron told D-Day veterans on that his country will “never forget” the battle to liberate Europe from the Nazis.

He thanked the King and Queen for their attendance and then paid tribute to Christian Lamb, an officer in the Women’s Royal Naval Service who helped plan the D-Day landings in 1944.

Macron presented her with a Legion d’Honneur award to the 103-year-old and described her as “a hero in the shadows”.

“You have set us an example, which we’ll not forget. France will never forget the British troops who landed on D-Day and all their brothers in arms,” he said.

“We are honoured by the ties of remembrance, friendship and loyalty which were forged between our two countries.”

Pictured: US president Biden meets with veterans

11:38 , Joe Middleton

US president Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden pictured speaking with a US veterans at a ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of the World War II "D-Day" landings in Normandy.

Watch: Prince William thanks Canadian military for bravery and sacrifice in D-Day speech

11:29 , Joe Middleton

Veterans left in tears by commemorative events

11:27 , Joe Middleton

Emotional D-Day veterans have spoken of how the national commemoration of the Normandy landings left them in tears as they remembered those who lost their lives.

A total of 21 veterans had a chance to meet the King, Queen and Prince of Wales at the conclusion of the event held in Portsmouth, Hampshire, on Wednesday.

Roy Hayward, 98, who served as a reserve tank crewman and landed on Gold Beach, received a standing ovation when he appeared on stage during the show.

After meeting members of the royal family, he said: “I thoroughly enjoyed every one of them, I thought they were super actually, I was most impressed by the way they chatted to me and were so friendly.

“They asked me how I got on and how I had my legs blown off.

“I lost both of my legs but that’s nothing in comparison with what happened to other people and that’s always the attitude I’ve had.”

He added: “It’s gone very well, beautifully organised as it normally is when the military are involved and the Navy and all the services, everything goes like clockwork.

“It made me feel reminiscent and it has made me think of all the people who didn’t come back.”

UK PM Rishi Sunak misses D-Day 80 event to go campaigning

11:14 , David Maddox

Rishi Sunak will not be attending the international commemoration of D-Day at Omaha Beach with other world leaders today so he can return to campaign in the general election.

King Charles will be at the D-Day 80 event with world leaders including President Macron of France and President of Biden and some of the last remaining veterans from the liberation of France.

The event will also be attended by Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, foreign secretary Lord Cameron and defence secretary Grant Shapps.

Mr Sunak was at the heroes welcome event this morning in Normandy where he gave a short speech but then departed back to the UK.

A source said that he is campaigning this afternoon.

Watch: Military piper pays tribute to D-Day soldiers on gold beach

11:11 , Joe Middleton

Prince William praises ‘bravery and sacrifice’ of Canadian troops

11:09 , Joe Middleton

Prince William has praised the “bravery and sacrifice of the Canadian troops, who gave so much 80 years ago” as he delivered a speech at a D-Day anniversary ceremony on Juno Beach.

He was joined by Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau, French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, Canadian D-Day veterans and armed forces personnel in Courseulles-sur-Mer in France.

The Prince of Wales said: “On June 6 1944, as part of the 150,000 Allied troops that landed or parachuted into Normandy, 14,000 were from Canada.

“Far from home they stormed these very sand dunes behind me, shoulder to shoulder with thousands of British troops.

“Standing here today in peaceful silence, it is almost impossible to grasp the courage it would have taken to run into the fury of battle that day.”

He added that “most ambitious military operation in history” led to the liberation of Europe but at a “heavy cost”.

Pictured: The latest images from the D-Day commemorative events

11:04 , Joe Middleton

Watch: King Charles, President Macron and Rishi Sunak lay wreaths at D-Day 80th memorial event

10:57 , Joe Middleton

Sir Tom Jones performs song in front of wall commemorating British personnel who died

10:50 , Joe Middleton

Welsh singer Sir Tom Jones took to the stage earlier to perform his song “I Won’t Crumble With You If You Fall” at the UK’s national commemorative event in Normandy.

The singer stood in front of a wall bearing the names of personnel serving under British command who died while taking part in the invasion and Battle of Normandy.

His grandfather died in World War One.

Watch: King Charles says obligation to remember sacrifices of D-Day veterans ‘can never diminish’

10:36 , Joe Middleton

King Charles III has said the obligation to remember the sacrifices of D-Day veterans “can never diminish”.

The monarch spoke at Britain’s commemorative event in Normandy marking the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings on Thursday 6 June.

“As the years pass, the veterans of the Normandy campaign become ever fewer in numbers,” Charles said.

“Our ability to learn from their stories first-hand diminishes, but our obligation to remember them, what they stood for and what they achieved for us all, can never diminish.”

Some veterans of the 1944 beach invasion were helped from their wheelchairs to stand when the King and Queen arrived for the service.

King says obligation to remember sacrifices of D-Day veterans ‘can never diminish’

Veterans in tears as King Charles speaks of his ‘profound sense of gratitude’ to those who fought on D-Day

10:28 , Joe Middleton

The King has spoken of his “profound sense of gratitude” to those who fought in the D-day invasion as he addressed veterans during 80th anniversary commemorations in Normandy.

Veterans could be seen wiping their eyes with tissues as Charles made his address at the national commemorative event in France on Thursday.

The King and Queen also appeared emotional during the service, with the Queen wiping her eye as the memories of one D-Day veteran were read to the crowd in Ver-sur-Mer.

During his speech, Charles told the audience: “It is with the most profound sense of gratitude that we remember them and all who served at that critical time”.

Queen emotional as D-Day veteran experiences recalled

10:18 , Joe Middleton

The Queen was seen wiping her eye and appeared emotional as the memories of a D-Day veteran were read out by actor Martin Freedman.

The Office star read the words of Joe Mines, a D-Day veteran who landed on Gold Beach 80 years ago and was present at the commemorative event held in Normandy today.

In the message read by the actor, Mr Mines said he had come back “to pay my respect to those who didn’t make it”.

Mr Mines smiled and waved to applause from the audience as Mr Freeman concluded his speech and sat down next to the veteran.

Camilla dabbed her eye before smiling with the King as Mr Mines waved his arms in the air.

Forgotten heroes: The D-Day women who changed the course of history

10:07 , Joe Middleton

As we mark the 80th anniversary of the Normandy Landings on 6 June 1944, Guy Walters shines a light on the forgotten heroines who helped turn the Second World War in the Allies’ favour:

Forgotten heroes: The D-Day women who changed the course of history

Watch: US Navy Seals re-enact Utah Beach D-Day landing on 80th anniversary

10:06 , Joe Middleton

Hundreds of people, some in Second World War-era uniforms, arrived before dawn to stretch out across the now peaceful sands of Utah Beach, one of the five Allied landing zones on D-Day where troops waded into cold seas through hails of fire exactly 80 years ago.

They watched as US Navy Seals re-enacted the landing of the 2nd Naval Beach Battalion alongside descendants of soldiers who landed on the beach on 6 June 1944.

The Allied invasion of Normandy led to the defeat of the Nazis and the end of WW2.

As dawn broke 80 years ago, Allied forces started bombing German coastal defences and shortly after that vessels began putting troops ashore on five codenamed beaches: Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword.

US Navy Seals re-enact Utah Beach D-Day landing on 80th anniversary

King Charles and Camilla arrive in Normandy

10:04 , Joe Middleton

King Charles has arrived at a national commemorative event in Normandy marking the 80th anniversary of D-day.

The King and Queen are also scheduled to pay tribute to fallen soldiers at the event in Ver-sur-Mer, along with Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron.

Schoolchildren presented veterans attending the UK’s national commemoration event with white roses while cadets waved flags.

At the same time, an RAF band performed a marching display while Dakota military transport aircraft, widely used by the Allies during the Second World War, flew overhead.

Pictured: US president Biden arrives in Normandy

09:48 , Joe Middleton

US president Joe Biden and US first lady Jill Biden have arrived in Normandy to to mark the 80th anniversary of the June 6, 1944 D-Day landings.

Mr Biden will be joined by other world leaders including French president Emmanuel Macron, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy and German chancellor Olaf Scholz.

However Russian president Vladimir Putin has not been invited due to the Kremlin’s ongoing war in Ukraine.

‘We owe you everything’: Sunak pays tribute to veterans

09:37 , Joe Middleton

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak told D-Day veterans “we owe you everything” as he addressed the audience at the UK’s national commemoration event in Normandy to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

He said: “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.

He said veterans had “taught generations of young people about the horrors of war”, adding: “Yet with each passing year, it falls now to those of us who listened in awe to your stories to pass them on to our own children and grandchildren.

“Because only by remembering can we make certain that the cause you fought for, that so many of your friends and colleagues died for, that great cause of freedom, peace and democracy, will never be taken for granted.”

08:34 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Watch live view of beaches in Normandy on 80th D-Day anniversary

In pictures: A military piper comes into shore in Normandy

08:02 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Military piper begins commemorations in Normandy on 80th anniversary of D-Day

07:37 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

A military piper has begun commemorations for the 80th anniversary of D-Day in Normandy by playing a lament at sea at the exact moment of the beach invasion in 1944.

Royals and world leaders are set to gather with veterans in the northern French region to mark the occasion on Thursday.

At Gold Beach in Arromanches, Major Trevor Macey-Lillie paid tribute to fallen veterans, who led the biggest seaborne invasion in military history, by playing Highland Laddie as he came ashore.

The piece was also to remember a lone piper who played in the Normandy landings and was never shot at.

Major Macey-Lillie began in a landing craft utility before being driven up the beach in a DUKW amphibious vehicle.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage was spotted coming down to Gold Beach ahead of the tribute.

Also on Thursday, the King and Queen will pay tribute to fallen soldiers at the UK’s national commemoration event at the British Normandy Memorial, in Ver-sur-Mer, along with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron.

Kate to miss royal engagement but Charles will be at Trooping the Colour

06:00 , Jane Dalton

In case you missed it:

The King to take part in the Trooping the Colour celebrations

Watch: King reads diary entry from grandfather George VI

05:01 , Jane Dalton

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

Queen and Sunak’s wife in the pink

03:59 , Jane Dalton

Parachutists land at Normandy

03:00 , Jane Dalton

More than 300 British, Belgian and US parachutists landed in fields near Sannerville, which was designated drop zone K on 6 June 1944.

Among the 250 British soldiers was Lance Corporal Addy Carter, the first female to pass the Parachute Regiment’s P Company course.

Also jumping was Lieutenant Max Phillips, whose great-great-uncle Major William Tighe-Woods landed on Sword Beach on D-Day.

Poet says performing was emotional

02:01 , Jane Dalton

A poet said it was “very emotional” to perform his piece in front of D-Day veterans at the commemorations.

Tomos Roberts, a 30-year-old spoken word poet, recited his specially written piece The People Who Gave Us Today on stage at the event in Portsmouth, in front of hundreds of spectators including the King, Queen, Prince of Wales and Rishi Sunak.

But Mr Roberts - who has amassed more than 130,000 followers on Instagram and 50,000 YouTube subscribers - said it was the dozens of D-Day veterans who were present that he was most eager to please.

He said: “The main people that I was feeling very emotional about performing in front of are actually the veterans that were in attendance today.

“I feel, you know, this could be the last anniversary of D-Day where we have people who were there in attendance and that really hit home when I was writing the poem.”

Hundreds head to Bank of England to get first banknotes featuring King

01:00 , Jane Dalton

Hundreds head to Bank of England to get hands on first banknotes featuring King

King to open D-Day education centre

Thursday 6 June 2024 00:01 , Jane Dalton

The King and Queen will open a new educational centre at the site of the British Normandy memorial in France on Thursday.

The Winston Churchill Centre for Education and Learning will house two exhibition galleries, curated by the Royal British Legion, telling the stories of those who fought on D-Day and in the Battle of Normandy.

The centre will also feature a purpose-built classroom to host school groups, teaching them how the landings were possible.

Prince William gives update on Kate at D-Day event - full report

Wednesday 5 June 2024 22:59 , Jane Dalton

‘She would’ve loved to be here today’: William gives update on Kate at D-Day event

Anne credits veterans for her work

Wednesday 5 June 2024 22:01 , Jane Dalton

The Princess Royal has paid tribute to British D-Day veterans, telling one he was the reason she performed her public role.

Anne met the former servicemen as they gathered in Normandy to remember fallen colleagues and their own efforts at the Royal British Legion’s poignant service of commemoration at Bayeux War Cemetery.

Anne chatted to Don Jones, 99, who served in the Royal Navy ferrying men and equipment to Sword Beach.

She told the veteran that a reason she carries out her role “is because I meet people like you”.

Mr Jones, from Mold, north Wales, who was a 19-year-old Able Seaman with the Royal Navy, said he focused on his job on June 6 1944 as the cacophony of battle was so great.

He said after speaking to the princess: “I was in the Royal Navy on a tank landing craft. We took tanks and materials across and were dropping them off on Sword Beach. Then the following two months we were backwards and forwards with materials.

“I think on our third journey we brought prisoners back, and for the next two journeys after that, about 500 prisoners in all.

“It was so busy, I couldn’t absorb everything that was going on, the noise was so great. The bigger ships with the huge guns were firing over us all the time, firing inland to try and clear the enemy positions.”

A minute’s silence was observed in remembrance of the fallen.

Watch: Prince William reveals why Princess Charlotte not looking forward to school

Wednesday 5 June 2024 21:01 , Jane Dalton

Prince William reveals reason why Princess Charlotte is not looking forward to school

I’d love to ask him questions, says Nazi soldier’s grandson

Wednesday 5 June 2024 20:00 , Jane Dalton

A British paratrooper whose grandfather fought for the Nazis on D-Day has said he would “love to turn back time” and question him.

Captain Maik Biggs was among 250 soldiers from the Army’s 16 Air Assault Brigade who landed on fields near Sannerville in Normandy, which was designated drop zone K in 1944.

His grandfather Obergefreiter Gustav Koster, the equivalent of lance corporal, was stationed in Normandy with the German 915th Grenadier Regiment when the allies invaded.

The unit was held in reserve near Bayeux and moved towards the beaches following the first sightings of the landing fleet.

His grandfather later became a prisoner of war before returning to Germany. He died in 1998.

Mr Briggs, who was born and raised near Stadthagen in Germany, siad: “My grandfather was a mundane soldier, he had to fight for Germany back then.

“I do think about him often, he survived the war, I vividly remember growing up clearly too young to understand what he went through.”

He added: “I’d love to turn back time and ask him a few questions.”

Princess Anne hails bravery of Canadian regiment

Wednesday 5 June 2024 19:30 , Jane Dalton

The Princess Royal hailed the “loyalty, bravery and duty” of a Canadian regiment who fought to liberate Europe with Allied forces 80 years ago.

Anne’s words of tribute came as she unveiled a statue in Normandy of a rifleman from the Royal Regina Rifles, shown weapon in hand storming the beaches on D-Day.

The ceremony was in Place des Canadiens in the picturesque town of Bretteville l’Orgueilleuse, where after the famous landings, the Canadian regiment resisted enemy counterattacks head-on, without giving up any ground.

In the tiny square, the princess told guests: “How fitting it is on this 80th anniversary of the landing and the commencement of the Battle for Normandy, that this statue has been unveiled in honour of the Regina Rifles who sacrificed so much for the cause of liberty and freedom.”

Anne, who took part in the ceremony in her role as Colonel-in-Chief of the Royal Regina Rifles, was joined by her husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence.

Nicknamed “The Johns”, the Canadian unit was one of the first infantry regiments to storm Juno beach 80 years ago with other Canadian forces.

Prince William says ‘Kate would have loved to have been here'

Wednesday 5 June 2024 19:00 , Jane Dalton

The Prince of Wales said his wife the Princess of Wales would have loved to have joined the D-Day commemorations as she continues to recover following her cancer diagnosis.

Footage on social media showed William speaking to a veteran, in which he appeared to say “she is” when asked whether Kate was getting any better.

The prince added: “She’d love to be here today.”

He told the veteran about how Kate’s grandmother worked at Bletchley Park during the Second World War and was one of a group of women who never spoke about anything until the very end, adding: “It was all very secret.”

Watch: Sarah Ferguson reveals inspiring last words Queen Elizabeth said to her

Wednesday 5 June 2024 18:30 , Jane Dalton

Sarah Ferguson reveals inspiring last words Queen Elizabeth said to her

William meets granddaughter of D-Day letter writer

Wednesday 5 June 2024 18:01 , Jane Dalton

The Prince of Wales has met the granddaughter and great-granddaughter of the soldier whose D-Day letter to his wife he read out during the commemoration in Portsmouth.

William read the letter written in a diary on the day of the landings by Captain Alastair Bannerman, who was part of the D-Day forces.

Amy Callebaut, 40, from Devon, who is Cpt Bannerman’s granddaughter, attended the event with her daughter Naina, five.

She said: “It was really quite emotional. We had the reading in advance and re-reading his diary entries but the moment of the day and the ceremony and everything else and that it was Prince William reading my grandfather’s words made me feel really emotional.”

On meeting the prince, she said: “He told me that he felt really honoured to read the diary and the entry.”

Describing her grandfather, she added: “He was an eccentric. When he was captured during the D-Day landings he escaped twice and was captured three times in two days and was kept as a prisoner of war until the end of the war when he came home.

“During the time he was prisoner of war he ended up being in charge of cooking and entertainment in the prisoner of war camp.

“He was a family man devoted to his wife, children and grandchildren, he was an actor, performer, a really good fun, really caring, loving man.”

William could be heard asking Ms Callebaut if he “did the letter justice” and had come across as “sincere” before telling her: “I found it very moving when I read it the first time.”

Hundreds race to get first King banknotes

Wednesday 5 June 2024 17:30 , Jane Dalton

Hundreds of people have headed to the Bank of England to be among the first to own a banknote featuring the King:

Hundreds head to Bank of England to get hands on first banknotes featuring King

King and Camilla shed tears at commemorations – full report

Wednesday 5 June 2024 16:59 , Jane Dalton

The King and Queen appeared overcome with emotion as Charles paid tribute to the “courage, resilience and solidarity” of veterans:

King Charles and Camilla sheds tears as royals attend emotional D-Day commemorations

Standing ovation for veteran who lost legs

Wednesday 5 June 2024 16:30 , Jane Dalton

A D-Day veteran who lost his legs in Normandy received a standing ovation, including from actress Helen Mirren, when he appeared on stage during the show.

Roy Hayward, 98, who served as a reserve tank crewman and landed on Gold Beach, met members of the royal family. He said: “I thoroughly enjoyed every one of them, I thought they were super actually, I was most impressed by the way they chatted to me and were so friendly.

“They asked me how I got on and how I had my legs blown off.

“I lost both of my legs but that’s nothing in comparison with what happened to other people and that’s always the attitude I’ve had.”

He added: “It’s gone very well, beautifully organised as it normally is when the military are involved and the Navy and all the services, everything goes like clockwork.

“It made me feel reminiscent and it has made me think of all the people who didn’t come back.”

D-Day veteran remembers ‘wonderful’ shipmates who died

Wednesday 5 June 2024 16:05 , Jane Dalton

A Royal Navy veteran has paid tribute to his “wonderful shipmates” who died in the D-Day invasion 80 years ago and said that history “must never be forgotten”.

Alec Penstone, who served on HMS Campania, saluted fallen soldiers as the Last Post was played at an emotional ceremony in Normandy.

The 99-year-old stood to sing throughout the service at Colleville Montgomery and laid a wreath during the poignant service near Sword Beach.

Some 11 veterans with the Spirit of Normandy Trust joined the commemorations, sitting in the front row of the service.

Mr Penstone and fellow D-day veteran Ken Hay stood side by side as music played to commemorate the anniversary.

Mr Penstone said: “I’m as surprised as anyone else I’m still here, I didn’t expect to be. Nevertheless, someone’s looking after me, they say the devil looks after his own. I’m very lucky.”

The grandfather of three added: “When I realised how many wonderful shipmates of mine died, and I just wonder why I’m still spared.

“But nevertheless it was something that’s got to be down in history and must never ever be forgotten.

“I thank my lucky stars I’m still here to be able to tell the tale.”

King will join other heads of state on anniversary

Wednesday 5 June 2024 15:45 , Jane Dalton

On the 80th anniversary of D-Day tomorrow, a military piper will land on the beaches of Arromanches-les-Bains at Normandy in a Royal Marines landing craft and begin playing a lament in tribute to those who led the beach landings.

The official British commemoration for the 80th anniversary of D-Day will take place at the British Normandy Memorial at Ver-sur-Mer, where the King will join French president Emmanuel Macron and Mr Sunak.

The Prince of Wales will attend events in Normandy including a service hosted by Canada at Juno Beach and an international ceremony hosted by France at Omaha Beach, which will be attended by more than 25 heads of state.

Cemetery to be lit up

Wednesday 5 June 2024 15:15 , Jane Dalton

Tonight, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s Bayeux War Cemetery will light up in honour of those who fought on the beaches.

Tomorrow, Thursday - the 80th anniversary of D-Day - commemorations will begin in Normandy at 7.25am, the time that the beach invasion began in 1944.

In pictures: Sunak talks to veterans and VIPs

Wednesday 5 June 2024 15:00 , Jane Dalton

In pictures: Princess Royal in Normandy

Wednesday 5 June 2024 14:35 , Jane Dalton

Gun salute and flypast round off commemorations

Wednesday 5 June 2024 14:05 , Jane Dalton

The commemorations for the bravery of D-Day soldiers 80 years ago concluded with a gun salute from the frigate HMS St Albans, which sailed past in the Solent, and a rendition of the national anthem before a flypast by the Red Arrows and Typhoon jets.

The show had featured veterans reading dramatic accounts from the invasion, as well as wartime songs performed by EastEnders star Emma Barton, American actress Marisha Wallace and Call The Midwife’s Helen George.

Music was also provided by the Royal Marines Drummers.

Readings were also given by Jonny Weldon from The Outlaws and Kate Phillips from Peaky Blinders, as well as Iain Glen from Game Of Thrones, Leonie Elliott, also from Call The Midwife, Anjli Mohindra from Bodyguard and Julian Ovenden from Downton Abbey.

In pictures: Paratroopers’ display

Wednesday 5 June 2024 13:50 , Jane Dalton

Parachutists start landing at Normandy

Wednesday 5 June 2024 13:40 , Jane Dalton

Paratroopers have started landing near a Normandy drop zone used on D-Day 80 years ago.

In all, more than 300 British, Belgian and US parachutists are due to land on fields near Sannerville, which was designated drop zone K on 6 June 1944.

Among the 250 soldiers from the British Army’s 16 Air Assault Brigade was Sergeant Danny Mawson, a keen historian who wore a smock worn by Colour Sergeant Tommy Alderson, who jumped on D-Day.

Also jumping was Lieutenant Max Phillips, whose great-great-uncle Major William Tighe-Woods landed on Sword Beach on D-Day.

King, Queen and Prince William chat with veterans following D-Day event

Wednesday 5 June 2024 13:22 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

After the D-Day 80th anniversary commemoration event ended, the King, Queen and Prince of Wales spent time meeting veterans in Portsmouth.

They were seen chatting and smiling with veterans in the sunshine at Southsea Common.

The King and Queen were seen patting the hands or touching the arms of several veterans as they moved around the informal gathering.

Prime minister reads address by Field Marshal Montgomery

Wednesday 5 June 2024 12:50 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Rishi Sunak read an address by Field Marshal Montgomery, which was delivered to the troops ahead of the D-Day landings.

In his contribution to the commemorative event in Portsmouth, the Prime Minister read out the short address which began: “The time has come to deal the enemy a terrific blow in Western Europe. The blow will be struck by the combined sea, land and air forces of the Allies together constituting one great allied team, under the supreme command of General Eisenhower.”

It continued: “To us is given the honour of striking a blow for freedom which will live in history; and in the better days that lie ahead men will speak with pride of our doings. We have a great and a righteous cause.”

Emotions run high as King and Queen appear tearful during memorial event

Wednesday 5 June 2024 12:37 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

King speaks of duty to remember soldiers’ sacrifice

Wednesday 5 June 2024 12:12 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

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

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

Wednesday 5 June 2024 11:55 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

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.”

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

Wednesday 5 June 2024 11:44 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

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.

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

Wednesday 5 June 2024 11:30 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

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.”

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

Wednesday 5 June 2024 11:24 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

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.”

Dame Helen Mirren praises bravery of the veterans

Wednesday 5 June 2024 11:17 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

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.”

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

Wednesday 5 June 2024 11:15 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

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

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

Wednesday 5 June 2024 11:03 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

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.

Prince of Wales arrives at D-Day memorial event

Wednesday 5 June 2024 11:00 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

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

Wednesday 5 June 2024 10:55 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

In pictures: Political leaders and ministers gather in Portsmouth for D-Day event

Wednesday 5 June 2024 10:42 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

King and Queen in awe of veteran’s football boots from the war

Wednesday 5 June 2024 09:50 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

When hosting D-Day veterans at Buckingham Palace, Queen Camilla asked 100-year-old RAF codebreaker Bernard Morgan, who was the youngest RAF sergeant to land on Gold Beach: “What are your recollections of D-Day itself?”

Mr Morgan, from Crewe, Cheshire, replied: “When we came off the landing ship tank down on the beach, the Army were there collecting the poor soldiers who drowned on the initial landing.”

He showed King Charles and Camilla the sturdy brown football boots he took with him and tied to his backpack in a bid to play whenever he could to forget his surroundings – and revealed that he had even managed a match as they sailed to Normandy.

“These are football boots I carried all through the war. I played 12 games of football, including one on the landing craft going to Normandy,” he said.

The King told him: “I don’t believe it… How fantastic. They’re remarkably well-preserved.”

Mr Morgan joked they are “well past their sell-by date” and revealed that the Army v RAF match en route to D-Day had ended in a draw.

When Charles met Becks: How the King and Golden Balls’ friendship flourished over their shared love of bees

Wednesday 5 June 2024 09:11 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

David Beckham has revealed that he traded beekeeping tips with King Charles when they met ahead of the ex-England football captain being named a King’s Foundation ambassador.

The former Manchester United and Real Madrid star, 48, had a private meeting with Charles at his Highgrove home last month to discuss his new role at the charitable organisation.

He said: “It was inspiring to hear from the King about the work of His Majesty’s foundation during my recent visit to Highgrove Gardens – and compare beekeeping tips!”

How King Charles and Beckham’s friendship flourished over their shared love of bees

King and Queen hear moving recollections from D-Day veterans at Palace

Wednesday 5 June 2024 08:49 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

The King and Queen have hosted four D-Day veterans at Buckingham Palace, hearing moving personal stories and seeing their poignant keepsakes, to mark the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings.

Football boots carried on the straps of a military backpack, dog tags still bearing blood, and photos of a much cherished wife were among the mementoes shared with Charles and Camilla.

Charles, in turn, read aloud from his grandfather’s handwritten diary, recounting George VI’s D-Day entry about the breaking news of the “successful landings” in June 1944.

King and Queen hear moving recollections from D-Day veterans at Palace

80 years on D-Day veteran says landings should ‘never, ever be forgotten’

Wednesday 5 June 2024 08:35 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

A 100-year-old veteran said D-Day should “never, ever be forgotten,” as the nation prepares to mark the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings.

Lance Corporal Cyril “Lou” Bird was just 20 years old and a tank driver in the 5th Royal Tank Regiment when he landed on Gold Beach at about midday on June 6 1944.

Speaking ahead of the 80th anniversary of the landings on Thursday, he said that by contributing to the defeat of Nazi Germany the landings had helped bring peace to Europe.

80 years on D-Day veteran says landings should ‘never, ever be forgotten’

Wednesday 5 June 2024 08:18 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

‘Mankind had lost its way’: WWII veterans reflect on 80th anniversary of D-Day

D-Day events today

Wednesday 5 June 2024 08:02 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Dame Helen Mirren will host the commemorations in Portsmouth on June 5, and military musicians and special guests will lead the ceremony.

The morning will culminate in a flypast by the Royal Air Force Red Arrows.

The Prime Minister will then deliver a reading to the crowds and meet with veterans to hear their D-Day stories to mark the occasion.

In the afternoon, tributes will move to the beaches of Normandy, where hundreds of allied defence personnel will parachute into a historic D-Day drop zone to commemorate the airborne invasion of 80 years ago.

The Royal British Legion will host a commemoration service at Bayeux War Cemetery before the Ministry of Defence and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission host a joint UK-France thanksgiving service at Bayeux Cathedral.

On Wednesday night, as the sun sets, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s Bayeux War Cemetery will light up in honour of those who fought on the beaches. The light show will be streamed live on the BBC so all can witness the occasion.

King, Queen and Prince of Wales join veterans at D-Day event in Portsmouth

Wednesday 5 June 2024 08:01 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

The King, Queen and Prince of Wales will join veterans at a commemorative event in Portsmouth as major events begin in the UK and France to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

The Normandy landings were the largest seaborne invasion in history, with the 1944 battle laying the foundation for an Allied victory.

Troops from the UK, the USA, Canada, and France attacked German forces on the beaches at Normandy in northern France on June 6, 1944.

King, Queen and Prince of Wales join veterans to mark 80th anniversary of D-Day

King Charles and royal family to join veterans for D-day celebrations

Wednesday 5 June 2024 08:01 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

King Charles III will join veterans for the 80th anniversary of D-Day in the UK and France today and tomorrow amid his ongoing cancer treatment.

Queen Camilla and the Prince of Wales will also attend the commemorative events, beginning in Portsmouth today.

The King said his grandfather was keen to visit troops on D-Day, 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.”