The Prince of Wales, Prince William, has joined military veterans, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer in Portsmouth to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
"I am deeply honoured to join you today to recognise the bravery of all of those like John Haddock who participated in the D-Day landings, the start of the liberation of France and Europe, that led to victory of the Allied Powers," Prince William said.
He acknowledged the strength of the veterans, many of whom were teenagers and had never seen combat before. "In their letters and diaries, we see their great strength," he added. The Prince read an extract from Captain Alastair Bannerman's letter to his wife, written on the morning of D-Day, which detailed the events leading up to the landing.
Prince William concluded his speech by noting that "many never returned", adding: "We will always remember those who served and those who waved them off. The mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, sons and daughters who watched their loved ones go into battle, unsure if they would ever return. Today we remember the bravery of those who crossed this sea to liberate Europe. Those who ensured that Operation Overlord was a success. And those who waited for their safe return."
The Normandy landings were the largest seaborne invasion in history, leading to an Allied victory in 1944. Tonight, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission's Bayeux War Cemetery will host a light show in honour of those who fought on the beaches, to be streamed live on the BBC.
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