King Charles Issues Emotional Statement on 80th Anniversary of Historic WWII Operation
King Charles' office has released a poignant message to honour the brave soldiers who fought in the Battle of Arnhem, marking the 80th anniversary of the pivotal World War II event.
In a statement shared by Buckingham Palace, the royal family reflected on the sacrifices made during Operation Market Garden, which aimed to secure a vital route into Germany through the Netherlands. “We remember the courage and resilience of those who fought and gave everything for freedom,” the tribute read.
The palace acknowledged the significance of the battle, where hundreds of Allied soldiers parachuted into the Netherlands as part of one of the largest airborne assaults in history. To commemorate this heroic effort, 700 paratroopers from eight NATO nations, including the UK, US, Germany, and the Netherlands, will re-enact the jump at Ginkel Heath, near Ede.
The British Red Devils, among others, will participate in the commemorative event, honouring the legacy of the 1,900 Allied airborne soldiers from Britain’s 4th Parachute Brigade who took part in the original assault. The operation, combining airborne and ground offensives, was a bold attempt to capture key bridges over the Rhine River.
This anniversary serves as a reminder of the bravery and sacrifices made by those who fought for freedom during one of the most critical moments of the war.
