Camilla in tears as King Charles and Queen overcome with emotion during D-Day anniversary event
King Charles and Queen Camilla travelled to Portsmouth for the celebrations
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Camilla has been pictured in tears as King Charles and the Queen were overcome with emotion during today's D-Day anniversary event.
A D-Day veteran recounted losing his best friend on the beaches of Normandy 80 years ago.
Tears welled up in the Queen's eyes as former Royal Navy serviceman Eric Bateman recalled his experience on Utah beach.
Camilla's husband, King Charles, also appeared visibly moved.
Queen Camilla seen crying during the event
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Bateman, who served on the warship HMS Erebus, described how you could "walk across the Channel" because there were so many boats involved in the invasion.
Paying tribute to his fallen comrades, he said: "So many men and women, including my dear friend Fred, joined up with me but unfortunately never made it."
Charles and Camilla joined Prince William, leading UK politicians and veterans at a major event in Portsmouth.
The King gave his first public speech since being diagnosed with cancer.
King Charles also seemed visibly moved during the ceremony
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He told the crowd: "The stories of courage, resilience and solidarity we have heard today and throughout our lives cannot fail to move us, to inspire us and to remind us of what we owe to that great wartime generation."
Charles, who received a standing ovation as he walked onto the stage accompanied by Queen Camilla, was "adamant" to attend the commemorations as he continues his recovery from cancer.
At the Portsmouth commemorations, hosted by Dame Helen Mirren, Prince William read an extract from the diary of Captain Alastair Bannerman, a soldier who was part of D-Day, addressed to his wife on the morning of the landings.
He told the crowd he was "deeply honoured" to be part of proceedings on Southsea Common and that "we will always remember those who served".
Prince William joined King Charles and Queen Camilla in France
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King Charles braved the wind on stage as he spoke, with his speech notes blowing around in his hand
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Delivering his speech to the crowd, the King added: "The stories of courage, resilience and solidarity which you have heard today and throughout our lives cannot fail to move us, to inspire us and to remind us of what we owe to that great wartime generation, now tragically dwindling to so few.
"It is our privilege to hear that testimony, but our role is not purely passive. It is our duty to ensure that we and future generations do not forget their service and their sacrifice in replacing tyranny with freedom."
King Charles braved the wind on stage as he spoke, with his speech notes blowing around in his hand.
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