King Charles honors D-Day heroes with stirring speech at Portsmouth commemoration

The King, adorned with a full medal bar, gave an emotional tribute honoring D-Day veterans on the 80th anniversary.

King Charles and Queen Camilla attended a heartfelt D-Day commemoration event in Portsmouth, where the 75-year-old monarch delivered a moving speech. 

Introduced by Dame Helen Mirren, the royal couple received a standing ovation, the Daily Express reports. King Charles, greeting the crowd with a wave, highlighted the courage, resilience, and solidarity of the D-Day veterans, emphasizing the lasting impact of their sacrifices.

The event marks the beginning of two days of remembrance for the 80th anniversary of D-Day. Tomorrow, the royal couple will join veterans in Normandy. Prince William also attended the event and will participate in the Normandy commemoration. D-Day, which took place on June 6, 1944, was a pivotal moment in World War II, laying the groundwork for Allied victory, the Daily Express noted.

King Charles, donning a full medal bar, paid tribute to the wartime generation, wearing various honors including the Queen’s Service Order, multiple Jubilee medals, and service awards from New Zealand and Canada.

His speech underscored the importance of remembering and honoring the sacrifices made by those who participated in the largest seaborne invasion in history.