D-Day As It Happened: King Charles joins with veterans at D-Day 80th anniversary commemorations
The King, Queen and Prince of Wales have joined veterans at a commemorative event in Portsmouth as two days of major events begin in the UK and France to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
Listen to this article
The Normandy landings were the largest seaborne invasion in history, with the 1944 battle laying the foundation for an Allied victory in World War II.
Troops from the UK, the USA, Canada, and France attacked German forces on the beaches at Normandy in northern France on June 6, 1944.
The King, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, a slew of other dignitaries, and those who fought on the beaches in 1944 today came together to remember the battle that became the turning point towards an Allied victory.
Follow the latest on all the events in our live blog
D-Day veteran gives the Queen a white flower because 'she is a very nice person'
Queen Camilla and King CharlesGilbert Clarke, 98, who was born in Montego Bay, Jamaica, received the rose during the UK D-Day commemoration event in Normandy.
After meeting Camilla the veteran said: 'I gave it to her because she is a very nice person'.
'She took the time to talk to us, so I wanted to give it'.
The King told a D-Day veteran he is ”doing well” following his cancer diagnosis earlier this year.
Queen Camilla, King Charles, French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte MacronAfter attending the UK’s commemoration event in Ver-sur-Mer in Normandy, Charles and Camilla visited a marquee where veterans were having tea and cakes.
On one table, the King sat beside Ronald Hendrey, 98, of Clacton-on-Sea, who asked about his health.
“I asked him how he was doing, he told me he is doing well.”
Sir Keir Starmer said the D-Day 80th anniversary has been 'moving and powerful'
Keir Starmer attending the UK national commemorative event for D-DayThe Labour leader told broadcasters: 'It is truly a privilege to be here on behalf of the Labour Party to give our tribute to and pay our respects to the armed services, our Armed Forces, and in particular to remember those involved in D-Day'
'My message to the veterans is ‘thank you''.
The Prince of Wales met with British war veterans at D-Day 80th anniversary commemorations
The Prince of Wales met with British war veterans in Arromanches, a Normandy region of north-western France.Prince William had stopped at the French town’s D-day museum following his speech at the Canadian commemoration ceremony earlier today.
King Charles opened his speech at D-day event by speaking in French
King Charles and French President Emmanuel Macron at D-day eventAddressing President Emmanuel Macron, the King said: 'Monsieur le President, nous vous sommes reconnaissants de nous honorer de votre presence ici aujourd’hui, au memorial Britannique de Normandie'.
This translates to: 'Mr. President, we are grateful to you for honouring us with your presence here today, at the British memorial in Normandy.'
King Charles delivered the speech at the UK’s commemorative event in Normandy for the 80th anniversary of the D-day landings.
'He's no longer with us, I can't have that conversation with him.'
On the 80th Anniversary of D-Day, caller Martin becomes tearful as he tells @mrjamesob about his veteran father coming from a time when men 'didn't want to show their feelings' by talking a lot about the war.
The Prince of Wales has praised the 'bravery and sacrifice of the Canadian troops, who gave so much 80 years ago'
Prince of Wales and Candian Prime MinisterJustin TrudeauWilliam delivered a speech at a D-Day anniversary ceremony on Juno Beach and was joined by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Addressing veterans at the ceremony on Juno Beach Prince William said: 'Thank you for our freedom, and thank you for your service'.
He ended the speech by repeating his appreciation in French, saying: 'Merci pour notre liberte, et merci pour votre service'.