King Charles and the Prince of Wales, along with world leaders and veterans, gathered to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings. The royals delivered speeches in France, praising the bravery and sacrifice of those who served during that critical time. The King laid a wreath at the British Normandy Memorial, acknowledging the sacrifices made on D-Day.
Later in the day, Prince William joined heads of state at Omaha Beach for the final event of the two-day commemorations. The King emphasized the importance of free nations standing together to oppose tyranny, stating that the obligation to remember the sacrifices made can never diminish.
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Labour leader Keir Starmer also attended the ceremony, recognizing that this may be one of the last anniversaries where D-Day veterans are present. The day was filled with re-enactments, military flyovers, and memorial services, paying tribute to the heroes who fought on the beaches of Normandy.
Among the attendees were US President Joe Biden, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and other world leaders. Prince William thanked Canadian veterans for their bravery and sacrifice, expressing gratitude for their service. The commemorations also included honoring veterans like Christian Lamb and Joe Mines, who played crucial roles in the D-Day landings.
The event was a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought for freedom, with leaders emphasizing the importance of preserving democracy and standing against tyranny. The presence of veterans and world leaders underscored the enduring legacy of the D-Day landings and the need to continue honoring those who fought for freedom.