The King and Queen appeared emotional as they paid tribute to veterans at a moving event marking the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
With teary eyes, Camilla looked at Charles as he appeared to wipe away a tear as they sat in the Royal Box in Portsmouth.
Earlier, Charles addressed the crowd in a moving speech when he said we are “eternally indebted” to veterans.
“It is an almost impossible task to imagine the emotion of that day,” he said, adding: “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 emphasized the importance of remembering “those who served and those who farewelled them.”
He said: “The mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, sons and daughters who watched their loved ones go into battle, not knowing if they would ever return.”
Charles honored his grandfather in a special clip that will form part of a BBC film airing today.
Reading aloud from his grandfather's war diary, he says: “My grandfather was so determined to go. He became very frustrated because they did not let him go until several days later.”
Gun salutes and flyovers complete the commemorations
Commemorations for the bravery of soldiers on D-Day 80 years ago concluded with a gun salute from the frigate HMS St Albans, which passed through the Solent, and a performance of the national anthem before a flyover by Red Arrows and Typhoon aircraft .
The program featured veterans reading dramatic accounts of the invasion, as well as wartime songs performed by EastEnders star Emma Barton, American actress Marisha Wallace and Call the midwifeIt's Helen George.
Music was also provided by the Royal Marines Drummers.
Readings were also given by Jonny Weldon of The outlaws and Kate Phillips of Peaky Blinders, as well as Iain Glen of game of ThronesLeonie Elliott, also from Call the midwifeAnjli Mohindra Bodyguard and Julian Ovenden of Downton Abbey.
Jane DaltonJune 5, 2024 2:05 p.m.
Jane DaltonJune 5, 2024 1:50 p.m.
Paratroopers begin landing in Normandy
Paratroopers have begun landing near a Normandy drop zone used on D-Day 80 years ago.
In total, more than 300 British, Belgian and American paratroopers will land in the fields near Sannerville, designated Drop Zone K on June 6, 1944.
Among the 250 soldiers of the British Army's 16th Air Assault Brigade was Sergeant Danny Mawson, a keen historian who wore a robe worn by Color 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.
Jane DaltonJune 5, 2024 1:40 p.m.
The King, Queen and Prince William talk to veterans after the D-Day event
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 the veterans in the sunshine on 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.
Maryam Zakir-HussainJune 5, 2024 1:22 PM
Prime Minister reads Field Marshal Montgomery's speech
Rishi Sunak read a speech by Field Marshal Montgomery, which was delivered to the troops before the D-Day landings.
Speaking at the Portsmouth commemoration event, the Prime Minister read the short speech that began: “The time has come to deal the enemy a terrible blow in Western Europe. The blow will be delivered by the combined maritime, land and air forces of the Allies, which will constitute a great allied team, under the supreme command of General Eisenhower.
He continued: “It is our honor to strike a blow for the freedom that will remain in history; and in the better days that await us men will speak with pride of our actions. “We have a great and just cause.”
Maryam Zakir-HussainJune 5, 2024 12:50
Emotions run high as King and Queen appear to cry during memorial event
Maryam Zakir-HussainJune 5, 2024 12:37
The king speaks of the duty to remember the sacrifice of the soldiers
“It is our duty to ensure that we and future generations do not forget their service and sacrifice in replacing tyranny with freedom.”
Maryam Zakir-HussainJune 5, 2024 12:12
Charles: 'Stories of bravery cannot fail to move us'
The King has paid tribute to D-Day veterans at a commemoration event in Portsmouth ahead of the 80th anniversary.
He said: “The stories of courage, resilience and solidarity that we have heard today and throughout our lives cannot fail to move us, inspire us and remind us of what we owe to that great wartime generation.”
Maryam Zakir-HussainJune 5, 2024 11:55
King Charles and Queen Camilla applauded upon arrival at D-Day event
The King and Queen arrived at the D-Day commemoration event in Portsmouth shortly before 11.40am.
Charles and Camilla were introduced on stage by presenter Dame Helen Mirren to a standing ovation and applause from the crowd.
The King greeted the crowd with a salute.
Maryam Zakir-HussainJune 5, 2024 11:44
William 'deeply honored' as he gives 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 commemoration event.
William said: “We will always remember those who served and those who saw 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 landing.
Part of the excerpt read: “A long line of flares hangs over Cherbourg, or I assume it is Cherbourg, and some anti-aircraft shots are fired into the air above the immediate front line.
“It is curious to imagine that there (sic) the Germans run with their weapons. I'd like to know what they're thinking. The entire Channel between us and Cherbourg is filled with small boats sailing quietly and efficiently towards France.
“British, Canadian and American fighting forces on war path”.
Maryam Zakir-HussainJune 5, 2024 11:30
