Queen Camilla and King Charles drew attention with an unexpected move during an emotional ceremony today.
Accompanied by Prince William, Camilla and the monarch attended commemorations in Portsmouth. Both were visibly moved as Navy veteran Eric Bateman recounted his experiences on Utah Beach during the Second World War operation.
Bateman's account of bravery and loss left Camilla visibly overcome, with Charles also dabbing his eyes.
The royals joined leading UK politicians and veterans at a major event in Portsmouth, where both Charles and William addressed 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," said the King. "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."
Charles also praised the "truly collective effort" of those on the Home Front during the Second World War and emphasized Britain's eternal indebtedness to those who served.
Earlier, William read an excerpt from the diary of Captain Alastair Bannerman of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment, a soldier who participated in D-Day. He expressed his deep honor to be part of the proceedings and emphasized the importance of remembering those who served.
William wore medals during his address, including the Great Master of The Most Honourable Order of the Bath around his neck, Golden, Diamond, and Platinum Jubilee medals, and a coronation medal.
The official British commemoration for the 80th anniversary of D-Day will take place tomorrow at the British Normandy Memorial at Ver-sur-Mer, where the King will join French President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
William will attend events in Normandy, including a service hosted by Canada at Juno Beach and an international ceremony hosted by France at Omaha Beach, which will be attended by more than 25 heads of state.
