This June 6, 2024, the Prince of Wales was in Normandy, carrying out several engagements on the beaches of Calvados, where more than 150,000 men landed 80 years ago, allowing France to be liberated. Among the Allies were Canadian troops, whose actions were highlighted in the heir to the throne’s speech at Juno Beach.
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The Prince of Wales represents King Charles III at Juno Beach to honor the memory of Canadian soldiers
The day of June 6, 2024 will go down in history as a great moment of commemoration between allied countries. More than twenty heads of state and government traveled to Normandy to attend the various commemorative ceremonies organized throughout the day on several Normandy beaches. In the morning, a Franco-British ceremony, attended by King Charles III, Queen Camilla and President Emmanuel Macron, took place at the British Memorial in Ver-sur-Mer.
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Also in the morning, a Franco-Canadian ceremony was organized at the same time in Courseulles-sur-Mer, on Juno Beach. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was accompanied by his French counterpart, Gabriel Attal, to pay tribute to the Canadians who participated in the Normandy landings 80 years ago. The Prince of Wales represented his father, the King of Canada, during this ceremony.
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“ It’s almost impossible to comprehend the courage it would have taken to charge into the fury of battle »
Prince William, heir to King Charles III, current Canadian head of state, attended the tribute ceremony. He laid a wreath on the beach and delivered a poignant speech, honoring the courage of the Canadians who joined British forces during this historic operation. The Normandy landings on the night of June 5 to 6, 1944 led to the liberation of France, leading to the end of the Second World War. Among the 150,000 soldiers, mainly from British and American forces, were also around 14,000 Canadians.
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“I am honored to join you in commemorating the great bravery and sacrifice of Canadian troops. You gave so much, 80 years ago”declared Prince William at the start of his speech. “Standing here today in peaceful silence, it is almost impossible to understand the courage it would have taken to launch into the fury of battle that day.”declared Prince William, speaking to an audience of soldiers, French and Canadian representatives, and veterans. “The assault on D-Day remains the most ambitious military operation in history. The events of that windy, gray day ultimately led to the liberation of Europe, but it came at a great cost.”
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Addressing the surviving and present veterans, the sovereign’s eldest son said: “You all demonstrated the heroism and determination that made it possible to defeat fascism. Canada and the United Kingdom continue to stand side by side as they did in 1944. They are just as strong together, 80 years later”he continued.
“Ensuring the continued memory of those who fought for freedom is why we have gathered again today: to say thank you. Thank you for our freedom and thank you for your service. » Prince William concluded his speech by speaking his last sentence in French: “Thank you for our freedom, and thank you for your service.” Later in the day, it was again Prince William who represented his father during the major international ceremony which closed the 80th anniversary of the landing, in the presence of other royalty at Omaha Beach.
Nicolas Fontaine
Editor-in-chief
Nicolas Fontaine has been a designer-editor and author for numerous Belgian and French brands and media. A specialist in royal family news, Nicolas founded the site Histoires royales of which he is the editor-in-chief. [email protected]
