Following a pause in public engagements due to his cancer diagnosis, King Charles III is now determined to embark on a significant journey. The 75-year-old monarch eagerly anticipates attending the upcoming 80th anniversary of D-Day in France later this year.
Seeking guidance from his medical team, King Charles intends to participate in the June event, which commemorates the valor of fallen Second World War warriors, honoring his own role as a former Royal Navy officer.
In remarks to the Daily Express, spokesperson for the late Queen, Dickie Arbiter, emphasized the importance of the occasion: "It’s too much of a big one to miss as it will be the last major anniversary where veterans take part. The memorial honors soldiers who served Britain and the Commonwealth, and it is incredibly important. He will definitely want to be there."
Arbiter noted King Charles' positive demeanor following an impromptu walkabout after the Easter service at St George’s Chapel, stating, "I would like to say yes, he will be there, and will go to great lengths to make sure he is."
Acknowledging the challenges posed by ongoing cancer treatment, Arbiter expressed confidence in King Charles' commitment to his duties: "Obviously having [cancer] treatment does take it out of you but he will be aware of performing his constitutional duty and I would be very surprised if he wasn’t in Normandy."
Highlighting the significance of commemorating the 80th anniversary, Arbiter underscored King Charles' determination to honor the occasion, despite the dwindling number of veterans. He concluded, "I would say he will. Of course, any decision has to be made on medical advice."
