Prince William has admitted being "moved" by D-Day commemorations as he made a solemn promise to veterans.
The Prince of Wales explained how the 80th anniversary of Operation Neptune was "moving" when meeting four veterans of the Gloucestershire Regiment.
Veteran Julian Heal, 52, from Bristol, said: “He [told us] ‘it’s all about the veterans’, and people are getting older, and there’s not many left on that, and he just said about how moving it was, especially the new monument on top of the hill.”
Fellow veteran Stephen Hall, 52, who served in Afghanistan and Kosovo, said the group talked to William about helping the younger generations learn and remember the history of D-Day, as being at the historic site was a “different kettle of fish”.
Hall, from Chester, claimed: “He said he was going to go back and see if he can find some funding or a pot or where, because we’ve mentioned like, the Air Cadets came out here and paid nearly £500, which is a lot of money for a family at the moment.
“He was like, yeah, totally agree, now you’ve put something in my head. He said, ‘I’d like to have a look into it, and then hopefully they could bring each year cadets over here or young adults’.
“The big thing is getting these people the identity and things like this actually given an identity, a purpose.”
THIS BLOG IS NOW CLOSED.
The UK's oldest war veteran joins memorial service at Derby Cathedral
The UK's oldest WW2 veteran, Donald Rose from Ilkeston, joined a memorial service at Derby Cathedral this evening.
The 109-year-old was a driver in Normandy during the battles.
Bellringers at the East Midlands church have started a three-hour peel in honour of the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
A short service took place in the cathedral with local armed forces, cadets, and civic dignitaries in attendance.
Anthony Cotton, Tower Captain at Derby Cathedral, said: "We're ringing for over three hours if it's successful."
"Most people have got relatives that died in the war," he said.
"It's a sense of occasion we want to commemorate."
Anthony says Derby’s ringers try to mark events of national importance.
"We had a big audience while ringing for when the Queen died so it does mean something to people when they’re passing by."
"They stop and pause and think about things," he added.
"When we've rung before, and big cheers go up, it's good to know people are listening to us."
Veterans sing and dance at close of town commemoration service in Normandy
A Normandy veteran who ended a poignant ceremony overlooking Gold Beach with a song and a dance said it’s "difficult to stop a few tears" when revisiting France.
Henry Rice, 98, joined singer Emma Brown before forming a line with other veterans and guests and swaying to Auld Lang Syne.
The official international ceremony to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day took place in Normandy
PA
PA
PA
Joe Biden and wife Jill Biden are last to arrive at international ceremony to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day
PA
President Joe Biden and his wife Jill Biden have arrived at Omaha Beach in Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer, Normandy, France.
He quickly greeted some of the world leaders in the front row of the main stand and shared a few words with Prince William before taking his seat.
Ukraine’s President Zelensky and First Lady arrive in Normandy
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky and First Lady Olena Zelenska received a huge round of applause when they arrived at the site of Omaha Beach in Normandy for the international D-Day ceremony.
President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron greeted all their senior guests, heads of state or their representatives from around the world.
'Where history belongs!' Worksop marks 80th anniversary of D-Day landings
'Where history belongs!' Worksop marks 80th anniversary of D-Day landings
GB NEWS
Commemorations are taking place far and wide across Britain, including in Worksop, Nottinghamshire.
Members of the Royal British Legion lowered their standards for the Last Post as local dignitaries lay wreaths in the town’s Memorial Gardens.
Joining the service, the King’s representative in the county, Veronica Pickering, Lord-Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire, said: “This is where most of those young men and women came from. The small towns and villages across the UK represented all of us.”
“The working people in these small towns are the ones who went over to Normandy.”
“This is where our history sits,” she added. “This is where our history belongs.”
Today marks the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings.
She also said: “It’s a really significant moment in history. If we don’t honour this history, we won't learn from it."
“This is more than just a memory,” she added. “This is about how we plan the future for all of us to be safer.”
Emmanuel Macron awards 104-year-old British veteran top French honour
France's President Emmanuel Macron (C) reacts after awarding 104-years-old British World War II veteran, Christian Lamb (2ndR), who helped to plan the D-Day landings in Normandy
GETTY
Emmanuel Macron has handed a 104-year-old British D-Day veteran France’s highest distinction.
Christian Lamb, who helped to plan the Operation Neptune landings in Normandy, received the legion d’honeur.
The award was established in 1802 by Napoléon Bonaparte.
Lamb was a third officer in the Women’s Royal Naval Service.
She worked in Whitehall plotting the maps of the Normandy landings.
Macron said: "You have set us an example that we will not forget."
Three brothers all born on June 6 enjoy 'fitting' birthday tribute during D-Day commemorations
Freddie, Archie and Frankie were all born on June 6GB NEWSThree brothers who were all born on 6th June are discovering the significance of their birthday during the week of commemorations.
Twins Freddie and Frankie were born on the D-Day date in 2014 to the delight of their parents at the novelty of its historical connection.
Yet only a year later in 2015, a third brother, Archie, would be born on the exact date, becoming a celebrated and happy coincidence amongst the family.
Joe Biden tells D-Day veterans 'God love you'
US President Joe Biden delivers a speech during the US ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of the World War II "D-Day" Allied landings in Normandy
GETTY
US President Joe Biden has told D-Day veterans "God love you" as he delivered his speech to mark the 80th anniversary of Operation Neptune.
He said: "On behalf of the the American people, it's the highest honour to salute you in Normandy once more. God love you."
Quoting former Prime Minister Winston Churchill, the 81-year-old added: "He called what happened here 'the greatest most complicated operation ever' - after years of planning, Operation Overlord was ready to launch just as the weather turned."
Biden also said: "They were brave; the courage and resolve of their allies ensured it was taken care of."
102-year-old World War Two hero dies en route to Normandy commemoration
A World War Two hero has died at the age 102 while travelling to France to attend today's 80th D-Day anniversary event.
Navy veteran Robert 'Al' Persichitti was travelling with a group of fellow veterans but was airlifted to a hospital in Germany where he died.
Persichitti served as a radioman in Iwo Jima, Okinawa, and Guam on the ship USS Eldorado.
The 102-year-old was among the troops who witnessed the six US Marines raising the American flag on Mount Suribachi.
He was onboard a ship heading to Normandy with the National World War II Museum group when he suffered a medical emergency.
‘I’m not the hero, it’s the boys in the ground who are’: Ellie Costello ‘struck’ by poignant message from D-Day veterans
An emotional Ellie Costello has recalled a poignant conversation she had with a D-Day veteran.
The GB News star stressed to viewers how important it is to hear their testimonies while they are still with us.
She spoke from Normandy on the 80th anniversary of the landings as ceremonies take place to remember those who served on a day that proved fateful for thousands.
“It reflects just how much time we have left with these veterans, the answer is, not very much”, she said.
BBC forced to pull D-Day programme as it issues apology for 'inappropriate' on-air remark
The BBC has issued an apology to those who were watching the special D-Day tribute programme last night after someone behind the camera could be heard using offensive language.
Presenter Kirsty Young was at the helm of the programme that honoured the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy.
As the programme got underway, Young introduced a military band for the viewers at home and explained there was assistance for those who had visual impairments, handing over to Petroc Trelawny for commentary.
Live from Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery in Bayeaux, France, the band could be heard beginning to play but the cameras were still fixed inside the studio and heard an unknown voice exclaim: "French a*******s."
The comment faced backlash on social media, with TV Critic Scott Bryan writing: "Not sure what exactly happened here during the BBC’s D-Day coverage. Yep. You heard that right."
Replying to the moment, another X user said: "Didn’t catch that off-camera remark when I was watching live — I was more distracted by the awkward cut. It was one of several bits of misdirection, which (I’m sorry!) rather let down an otherwise well-produced and impressive broadcast."
North Lincolnshire marks D-Day anniversary
The Mayor of North Lincolnshire, Cllr Janet Longcake, raised the Armed Forces Day flag in Queen Elizabeth Gardens at Church Square, Scunthorpe at 10.30am.
Before the flag was raised, there was a parade facing the dais in Church Square at 10.15am with members of the North Lincolnshire Armed Forces Day Committee, veteran associations, representatives from Royal British Legion and local cadets.
Members of North Lincolnshire Council, staff and students from St Lawrence Academy, Alison Barker, Chief Executive of North Lincolnshire Council and Revd. Frew were also in attendance.
Later on this afternoon at 1pm the public are invited to attend a commemorative church service at St Lawrence’s Church, hosted by Rev. Frew and The Royal British Legion.
Prince William delivers speech where 1,000 Canadians died during D-Day landing
Prince William has delivered a heartfelt speech at the beach where 1,000 Canadians were killed during the allied invasion of Normandy.
Taking place at the Juno Beach Centre, Courseulles-sur-Mer, the Prince of Wales was accompanied by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
The beach was the site of 1,000 Canadian deaths, after 21,000 troops stormed the shores.
Prince William said: “I am honoured to join you to commemorate the bravery and sacrifice of the Canadian troops, who gave so much 80 years ago.
“On June 6 1944, as part of the one hundred and fifty thousand Allied Troops that landed or parachuted into Normandy, fourteen thousand were from Canada.
“Far from home they stormed these very sand dunes behind me, shoulder to shoulder with thousands of British troops.”
He continued: “The assault on D-Day remains the most ambitious military operation in history. “The events of that windy, grey day, ultimately led to the liberation of Europe, but it came at heavy cost.
“We continue to honour every Canadian, who gave so much. Every Canadian family who lost a loved one. Every Canadian who lived with the scars of battle, both physical and mental.
“I want to thank you, our veterans, for your extraordinary acts of bravery and sacrifice, on Juno Beach, and the liberation of Europe. All of you demonstrated heroism, and determination, that ensured fascism was conquered.
“The commitment to service displayed by Canadian troops, is a great testament to the strength of the people of Canada.
“Canada and the UK continue to stand, side by side as we did in 1944. Just as strong together, 80 years later.”
Incredible moment British troops pay respects with touching tribute
British troops have paid their respects to D-Day heroes with a touching tribute at Asnelles this morning.
The Royal Marines of 47 Commando were spotted walking through the water towards the beach ahead of their annual "yomp" to Port-en-Bessin, in Normandy.
Dutch troops were also snapped drinking a shot of liquor before running into the sea during a ceremony on the beach at Arromanches-les-Bains.
At around 7.30am on July 6, 1944, British troops arrived at Gold Beach and Sword Beach as allied forces mounted the the biggest seaborne invasion in military history.
More than 75,000 British, Canadian, and other Commonwealth troops landed on the beaches during Operation Neptune.
Troops from the United States and Free France were also involved.
A further 7,900 British troops landed by air with the support of more than 7,000 ships and smaller vessels.
King Charles champions 'remarkable wartime generation' during touching D-Day speech
Speaking at the UK national commemorative event in Normandy, King Charles said: "Eighty years ago on D-day, the 6th of June 1944, our nation – and those which stood alongside it - faced what my grandfather, King George VI, described as the supreme test.
"How fortunate we were, and the entire free world, that a generation of men and women in the United Kingdom and other allied nations did not flinch when the moment came to face that test.
"On the beaches of Normandy, on the seas beyond and in the skies overhead, our armed forces carried out their duty with a humbling sense of resolve and determination – qualities so characteristic of that remarkable wartime generation.
"Very many of them never came home, they lost their lives on the D-day landing grounds or in the many battles that followed.
"It is with the most profound sense of gratitude that we remember them and all those who served at that critical time.
"We recall the lesson that comes to us again and again across the decades – free nations must stand together to oppose tyranny."
National Memorial Arboretum hosts Royal British Legion’s D-Day 80th anniversary commemoration
The National Memorial Arboretum hosts the Royal British Legion’s D-Day 80 commemoration in the UK today.
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh will be in attendance, alongside hundreds of invited guests and members of the public.
26 veterans are in attendance today, aged between 96 and 104. The youngest here adjusted his date of birth on his Ration Book to allow him to join up.
The service gets underway in Staffordshire at 2pm.
D-Day timeline: How Operation Neptune unfolded in 1944
Midnight: British RAF bombs German coastal batteries near Caen.
Midnight to 2am: The Ox & Bucks Light Infantry land by gliders near Sword Beach.
3am: Waterways cleared by allied minesweepers ahead of invasion
5.35am: Germans begin firing at the fleet with allied vessels bombarding coastal defences
6.30am Allies start amphibious assault by landing troops on Utah and Omaha beaches
7.26am to 7.35am: Troops arrive at Sword Beach and Gold Beach
8am: Troops begin landing at Juno Beach
9am to 12pm: Allied troops continue bombardment, destroying vital German artillery at Colleville-sur-Mer
12.03am: British paratroopers and commandos convene at Orne bridges before allied forces move inland
1pm: American soldiers capture Vierville
10.30pm: Residents in the town of Arromanches-les-Bains liberated by British troops
Midnight: Allies secure all five beaches at Normandy
Sunak begins commemorative event at British Normandy Memorial
The Prime Minister said: "Eighty years ago, the weather broke and the greatest invasion force in history left the shores of Britain to liberate Europe.
"We are here today to remember the sacrifice of the tens of thousands who did not make it home.
"And we are here to honour the service of those who did. Men like Ken Cooke, 18 years old.
"He’d never been on a boat before. He’d never been on a beach before. Yet, with his regiment, he landed on the first wave to storm Gold Beach.
"Or Stan Ford, 19, who was manning a gun turret on HMS Fratton when a torpedo struck, blowing him into the water.
"The ship sank in four minutes. Thirty-one of Stan’s shipmates were lost from a crew of 80.
"Or Royal Marine Dennis Donovan, who landed on Juno Beach alongside Canadian forces.
"They fought their way off the beach and into bitter house-to-house fighting. By the end of the first day, a quarter of his unit was dead or wounded.
"Ken, Stan and Dennis are here today alongside dozens of their fellow veterans. We are humbled to be with you and, for what you did that day, we will always be grateful."
Sunak later added: "Your actions freed a continent and built a better world.
"You risked everything and we owe you everything. We cannot possibly hope to repay that debt but we can, and we must, pledge never to forget.”
'I made sure I got home!' D-Day veteran emotionally recalls the war efforts and Normandy landings
After being chosen to join the Navy aged 17, Albert Keir was pleased – he said they were short on sailors, so “it just happened like that”, but he was happy about it, as he’s always liked the Navy.
The following year, Keir prepared to play his part in D-Day. He was responsible for ferrying US troops across the Channel to Utah beach, as well as for searching the water for bombs, which they would then destroy using depth charges.
He said: “You were in action straight away, because the sea...was covered with Germans.”
Moment veteran breaks down in tears as he shares poignant message on D-Day anniversary
Veterans marking the 80th anniversary of the D-Day operations were overcome with emotion as they honoured those who sacrificed their lives in Normandy.
Servicemen Paul Hayward, Stephen Hall and Clarence Heale travelled to the French coast to commemorate and remember those who had served before them, admitting it is something they "can't even comprehend".
Speaking to GB News, serviceman Stephen Hall said it was important for them to make the trip to Normandy and that what those servicemen and women sacrificed 80 years ago "changed the whole world", and "cannot comprehend" what it means to those serving in more recent conflicts.
Hall told Ellie Costello: "We've all served in different places and done different things from Northern Ireland to Afghanistan and Iraq, but this is just something that I cannot comprehend and put words to - it's just mind blowingly vast."
'It helps us remember': Nottinghamshire piper tells GB News about significance of D-Day anniversary
A memorial service has taken place in Trowell, Nottinghamshire to mark the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings.
Billy Fernie, 58 from Stapleford in Nottingham, played the Bagpipes to an audience of the Royal British Legion, councillors and school children.
“It’s good to remember the people who have given their lives," he said.
“It helps me remember my grandparents who served in the RAF."
Billy served with the Black Watch, 51st Highland Volunteers Regiment.
He played ‘Highland Laddie’ on the pipes – the same tune that ‘Mad Piper’ Pvt Bill Millin played while marching Sword beach on June 6, 1944, to rouse troops landing ashore.
“If one person comes up to me and says the hairs stand up on the back of their neck then I've done my job today," he said.
Commemorations begin at Arromanches-les-Baines
Commemorations started at Arromanches-les-Baines at 7.25am.
Major Trevor Macey-Lillie played Highland Laddie as he came ashore at Gold Beach.
The moment pays tribute to fallen soldiers who led the biggest seaborne invasion in military history.
It also remembers a lone piper who played during Operation Neptune 80-years-ago and was never shot.
'Thank you!' Rishi Sunak releases D-Day message
To all those who served: Thank you.#DDay80 pic.twitter.com/BDRHumXgCe
— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) June 5, 2024
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has released a D-Day message ahead of today's commemorations to mark the 80th anniversary of Operation Neptune.
Alongside a photo with a D-Day veteran, Sunak said: "To all those who served: Thank you."
In a separate post, the Prime Minister added: "Today we pause and come together as a nation to remember the heroes of D-Day, who 80 years ago began the march to victory that would liberate Europe from tyranny.
"The debt we owe every veteran of D-Day will never be forgotten."
Keir Starmer remembers D-Day 'heroism' ahead of commemoration event
Today, on the 80th anniversary of D-Day, we honour the brave British and Commonwealth soldiers who stood with our Allies and turned the tide of the Second World War.
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) June 6, 2024
Some made the ultimate sacrifice so we could live freely.
We must never allow their heroism to be forgotten. pic.twitter.com/pwHsrlKR2d
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has released a video on social media to mark D-Day commemorations later today.
Writing a post alongside the 95-second clip, Starmer said: "Today, on the 80th anniversary of D-Day, we honour the brave British and Commonwealth soldiers who stood with our Allies and turned the tide of the Second World War.
"Some made the ultimate sacrifice so we could live freely.
"We must never allow their heroism to be forgotten."
In a separate post, the Leader of the Opposition added: "Eighty years ago today, the sun rose on a new day of hope after the dark storm of the Second World War.
"We will continue to commemorate the courage of our veterans, honour those who fell and ensure that their story is never forgotten. We will remember them."
Nigel Farage pictured at Gold Beach in Normandy
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has been pictured on Gold Beach in Arromanches, Normandy, this morning.
The 60-year-old, who is an outspoken about his interest in military history, was snapped earlier this morning.
He arrived in Arromanches last night, claiming: "Almost a celebratory atmosphere here, but tomorrow will be very different."
Farage, who is standing to become the MP for Clacton on July 4, is in Normandy while Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer attend separate commemoration events.
You may like
