PRINCE William looked solemn as he told the last surviving D-Day veterans how honored he was to be at their side today.
The Heir joined the crowds in Portsmouth this morning to mark the 80th anniversary since the D-Day landings.
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He was not far from some of the country’s last surviving veterans as they recalled the campaign that paved the way for peace and freedom in Europe.
Wills then took the stage, saying how honored he was to join them today.
He told the crowds: “I am deeply honored to join you today to recognize the bravery of all those who, like John Haddock, took part in the D-Day landings, the beginning of the liberation of France and Europe, which led to the victory of Allied Powers.
“Our guests of honor today are the veterans of the Normandy landings, who have come from across our nation and from all walks of life to join the fight against tyranny.
“Many of those who took up arms had never seen combat before, some were still teenagers.”
The Prince then read moving letters from veterans’ diaries, before adding: “We will always remember those who served and those who discharged them.
“The mothers and fathers, the brothers and sisters, the sons and daughters who watched their loved ones go into battle, not knowing if they would ever return.
“Today we remember the bravery of those who crossed this sea to liberate Europe. Those who ensured the success of Operation Overlord. And those who waited for their safe return.”
The Heir shook hands with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak as he arrived at the event, before Dame Helen Mirren took to the stage.
Wills wore medals on his chest with pride as he listened to veterans share their moving stories.
He wore the Golden Jubilee medal, the Diamond Jubilee medal, the Platinum Jubilee medal and the Coronation medal on his chest.
Wills also proudly donned the neck order of the Most Honorable Order of the Bath for the first time.
Dame Mirren led the moving event, praising the bravery of the veterans present.
She said: “The presence today of some of those who contributed to this remarkable undertaking is an extraordinary privilege.
“Your bravery remains as inspiring now as it was eight decades ago. Thank you.”
Sir Keir Starmer and Foreign Secretary Lord David Cameron were also at the event, hosted by the Ministry of Defense on Southsea Common.
Wills will also be joined by his father, King Charles and Queen Camilla, in Portsmouth.
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It’s one of two Royal British Legion events taking place today – and the other is in France.
In Normandy, veterans were photographed throwing roses into the sea as US President Joe Biden landed.
Rows of veterans could be seen in wheelchairs during a wreath-laying ceremony and more celebrations are expected to take place today.
It comes after a D-Day hero yesterday showed the king the dog tags he wore around his neck – still showing traces of blood from where he was shot.
Arthur Oborne of the Duke of Wellington’s Regiment was among the veterans who met Charles and Queen Camilla at Buckingham Palace.
He told them: “The dog tags were recovered after I took a bullet to the lung and there is still some blood on them.”
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Arthur, 100, revealed he was rescued by a friend and added: “As a family we will never forget this.
“We found out he was killed the next day.”
Fellow centenarian Bernard Morgan from the Royal Air Force showed off a pair of football boots he carried during the war.
He said: “I played 12 games, including one on the landing craft going to Normandy.
“There were Army personnel there.
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“So we decided to have a football match, Army versus RAF.
“I think it was a draw.
The King laughed: “Oh, really, how fantastic.”
John Dennett, 99, of the Royal Navy, recalled how he missed a bus back to his ship the night before because he was dancing.
But he added of the fight: “The lads we lost – it was colossal, it’s scary.
“That’s when you feel grateful.
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“I classify myself as very lucky.”
Jim Miller, 100, of the 11th Hussars, told the King and Queen: “Remembrance is very important.
“The younger generation should learn about this and take it seriously.”
It was revealed last month that the King is the patron of the Royal British Legion – after taking over from the late Queen.
Mark Atkinson, Director General, said at the time: “The Royal British Legion is extremely proud that His Majesty the King is our new Patron.
“As the country’s largest military charity, this sponsorship honors the special relationship that exists between the Monarch and the Armed Forces.
“Her Majesty’s commitment to Remembrance and lifelong support of RBL’s welfare work is greatly appreciated by our entire community.”
D-Day Veterans Overflow with Pride and Emotion
By Mike Ridley
EIGHTY years after they first sailed to Normandy to liberate France, a small group of brothers returned yesterday.
Former RAF sergeant Bernard Morgan and jeep driver Jack Mortimer, both aged 100, were among 23 D-Day veterans who set out from Portsmouth yesterday.
As the 8am ferry departed for the Solent, sailors lined the deck of the aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales to cheer on the last of the D-Day heroes.
Crowds thronged the seafront and traffic was disrupted as the Type 23 frigate St Albans and HMS Cattistock escorted veterans traveling to France to mark the 80th anniversary of the battle for Nomandy, when 22,442 Britons died.
Above, a giant RAF A400 aircraft flew around the ship three times.
On D-Day, 6 June 1944, Jack, from Leeds, drove a jeep to Sword Beach aged 20, serving with the Royal Army Ordnance Corps.
He fought back tears as he remembered grenades and mortars flying at him as he drove towards Caen.
He says: “It was dangerous, there were shooters everywhere. It was noisy, smoky, smelly and I saw many victims. I saw bodies being brought from that beach.
“But I’m proud to be a D-Day veteran. I’m proud of my medals.
“How does it feel to come back 80 years later?
He fought back tears as he remembered grenades and mortars flying at him as he drove towards Caen.
He says: “It was dangerous, there were shooters everywhere. It was noisy, smoky, smelly and I saw many victims. I saw bodies being brought from that beach.
“But I’m proud to be a D-Day veteran. I’m proud of my medals.
“How does it feel to come back 80 years later?
He finally reached the coast at 6:30 pm on D-Day – the worst of the fighting was over, but there were bodies everywhere.
He says: “Gold Beach was one of the best landing spots on D-Day, but I still vividly remember seeing dead bodies strewn all over the beach when I disembarked and that is a sight that will stay with me forever.”
Bernard will remember three friends he lost in the battle for Normandy – wireless operator John Baines, killed by friendly fire, plus Robert Hall and Paul Langstaff, who died in an air raid on their truck.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
