A new portrait of King Charles was released to mark Armed Forces Day, while Queen Camilla made a rare national statement praising servicemen and women.
“Our military supports and strengthens our nation. You are a source of inspiration, security and pride – and I salute you all,” she said in a message filmed in the Clarence House morning room.
In his new portrait released at the same time as the Queen message, the King is wearing his ceremonial Field Marshal Number 1 frock coat with medals, sword and decorations.
The photo was taken in the Grand Corridor in Windsor Castle last November by Hugo Burnand, a favorite photographer of the Real family who took the official coronation photos.
The royal couple arrive in Normandy to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day. Photo: PA
The King and Queen traveled to Normandy on June 6 to mark the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings with world leaders.
In her message, Camilla recalled the “incredible bravery” of the forces that freed Europe from Hitler’s regime.
“Eight decades later, I know that the same spirit and qualities remain very much in evidence throughout our armed forces as they carry out their duties in the face of a multitude of challenges and dangers.
“By doing this, you not only protect these [British] Islands, but we also defend freedoms far beyond these shores,” she said.
The Queen went on to reference her own upbringing, saying: “I also want to thank your families, who keep the home fires burning while you are abroad.
“As the proud daughter of an army officer, I know something about the impact military life has on your loved ones – you are heroes too.”
The morning room at Clarence House, where the video was filmed, features a photo of the Queen’s parents on their wedding day in 1946.
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In the photo, Camilla’s mother, then Rosalind Cubitt, poses with her father, Major Bruce Shand, outside St Paul’s Church in Knightsbridge, London.
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Major Shand served with the 12th Lancers during the Second World War and was awarded the Military Cross in 1940 during the retreat to Dunkirk.
He was awarded again in 1942 for his efforts in North Africa, and was later wounded and taken prisoner while fighting in the same region.
He died in June 2006 at age 89.
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