For the first time since commencing his treatment for cancer, King Charles has embarked on an overseas trip.
At the age of 75, King Charles stepped onto the historic grounds of Normandy, France, on June 6, accompanied by Queen Camilla, to mark the 80th anniversary of the D-Day Landings.
King Charles and Queen Camilla’s Normandy Visit
The royal couple attended a poignant ceremony organized by the Ministry of Defence and the Royal British Legion at the British Normandy Memorial in Ver-sur-Mer.
This event honored the monumental military operation of June 6, 1944, which involved about 156,000 troops, 7,000 ships, and 10,000 vehicles assaulting German forces in Normandy.
This operation was a critical moment in World War II, initiating the liberation of Nazi-occupied northwest Europe.
King Charles and Queen Camilla, aged 76, joined French President Emmanuel Macron and British veterans at the memorial.
MACRON CHARLES
They had the opportunity to meet with retired service personnel and officially opened the new Winston Churchill Education and Learning Centre, dedicated to the wartime Prime Minister.
In a heartfelt speech, standing before the numerous names of the fallen, King Charles quoted his grandfather George VI, describing the D-Day Landings as “the supreme test.” He paid tribute to the men and women of that generation, noting their unwavering courage.
Dressed in the Field Marshal No. 4 tropical service dress adorned with medals and decorations, the King reflected on his numerous visits to Normandy over the past 40 years.
King Charles expressed his appreciation for the warmth and generosity shown by the people of Normandy towards the veterans, calling it both “moving” and “memorable.”
The ceremony concluded with wreath-laying by King Charles and President Macron, the playing of national anthems, including “God Save The King,” and a flypast by the RAF Red Arrows.
This trip to France marks King Charles’ most significant public engagement since resuming duties in late April.
His return to public duty began with a visit to the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in London on April 30, where he spoke candidly about the emotional impact of his diagnosis.
King Charles’ involvement in the Normandy Memorial event holds personal significance. He is the patron of the Royal British Legion, the UK’s largest armed forces charity, and the Normandy Memorial Trust, which maintains the monument.