Portsmouth: King pays tribute to courage of D-Day veterans
Commemorations are being held to mark the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings
Last updated 5th Jun 2024
The King has paid tribute to the "courage, resilience and solidarity" of veterans as part of commemorations for the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
Charles joined the Prince of Wales, leading UK politicians and veterans at a major event in Portsmouth on Wednesday.
He told the crowd: "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.
"It is our privilege to hear that testimony, but our role is not purely passive.
"It is our duty to ensure that we and future generations do not forget their service and their sacrifice in replacing tyranny with freedom."
In his programme notes for the event, the King spoke of his "profound admiration and respect" for those who took part in D-Day, adding: "It remains our solemn duty to continue to honour the outstanding gallantry, service and sacrifice of those who took part in that perilous mission."
At the Portsmouth commemorations, William 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.
He told the flag-waving crowd he was "deeply honoured" to be part of proceedings on Southsea Common and said "we will always remember those who served".
After the event ended, the King, Queen and Prince of Wales spent time meeting veterans.
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.
Veteran Mike Noonan, 82, who joined the Royal Navy in 1958, said the Portsmouth D-Day commemorative event was "very moving".
He said: "It was very moving - very moving, indeed.
"When you bear in mind, I knew and worked with many of those guys that have long gone now that were actually on landing craft and things that D-Day."
Mr Noonan said attending the memorial event was "just brilliant".
He added: "It's good to see so many young servicemen here today."