King Charles, currently being treated for cancer, presided over the commemorations of the Allied Landings in Normandy on Wednesday, surrounded by political representatives, veterans and members of the royal family in Portsmouth, in the south of England.
The 75-year-old monarch, who resumed his public engagements at the end of April while continuing his treatment for illness, delivered a moving speech on stage alongside his wife Camilla.
“As we give thanks to those who gave so much to achieve the victory we enjoy today, let us recommit ourselves to always remember, cherish and honor those who served,” the king told a crowd waving thousands of small British flags.
“Eight decades later, it is almost impossible to imagine the emotions felt that day, the pride of being part of such a great mission, the anguish of not being up to the task and the fear that this day will be the last,” he continued.
Testimony from a veteran
Organized in the greatest secrecy by the Americans, the British and the men of General de Gaulle, the Landing of June 6 in Normandy opened the way to the liberation of France and the defeat of Nazi Germany, leading to the Second World War nearing its end.
Veteran Roy Hayward, who was 19 during Operation Overlord, said in a poignant speech on stage that he always “considered himself one of the lucky ones who survived.”
This soldier, whose legs were amputated during the war, wanted to “honor the memory and heritage” of the men and women who “put their lives on hold to go and fight for democracy and for this country”.
King’s first foreign visit since his cancer
King Charles III, who is commander-in-chief of the United Kingdom’s armed forces and has served in the navy and air force, will also travel to France to attend a ceremony at the British memorial in Ver-sur on Thursday -Sea, in Normandy.
This will be the sovereign’s first foreign visit since the announcement of his cancer – about which Buckingham Palace has not given further details.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Crown Prince William and British veterans will participate in the international commemoration of D-Day at Omaha Beach, under the leadership of French President Emmanuel Macron, where many heads of state are expected including Joe Biden and Volodymyr Zelensky.
The monarch, who has resumed his commitments at a fairly sustained pace, will also receive the Emperor of Japan Naruhito and his wife Empress Masako in London at the end of June for a state visit.
(afp)
