King Charles gives health update amid cancer battle as he meets D-Day heroes

'Each of us had a job to do and if you're doing it, you're not concentrating on anything else'

Phil Sweet, 99, who was in the Royal Navy, was part of the initial wave that landed at the village of La Riviere as part of the Gold Beach landings when he was 19.

He said: "I was on a tank landing craft, we had two tanks mounted on the tank deck to fire on the beach ahead of the first troops landing, but with the bad weather, it didn't work out and we arrived a little bit later, so we hit the beach and offloaded our tanks close to La Riviere.

"We lost our drag anchor going in, so we went in on a very high tide and got stuck on the beach until the 19th and acted as a Prisoner of War camp before the prisoners were shipped out."

Mr Sweet ended up becoming unwell with acute peritonitis and was in a tented hospital in Bayeux "with all the Canadian wounded".

He said: "We didn't really know what we were in for. I joined in the April, 16 weeks after I joined I was a naval officer and still hadn't been on board a ship. I was drafted to a landing craft and did my training.

"Each of us had a job to do and if you're doing it, you're not concentrating on anything else. I suppose I was afraid as much as anyone else would have been, but there was a huge sense of camaraderie."

Harry and Meghan convinced 'royals were against them' after New Year photo snub

D-Day veteran John Davies, 101, becomes tearful as he remembers the horrors

John Davies, who was 17 when he first went to sea, said he was "absolutely honoured" to be at the 80th memorial service and became tearful as he remembered the horrors he witnessed during his service.

He said: "Nothing like this should ever happen and that's why people should remember and why they should be taught about what happened.

"Especially younger people now, unless they realise exactly what was given for them, it will keep happening."

Veteran John Davies, 101, at the Royal British Legion's service of remembrance at the National Memorial Arboretum (PA)

Lesley Sharp makes poignant address at National Memorial Arboretum

An hour-long service was led by actress Lesley Sharp, best known for her roles in Clocking Off and The Full Monty.

Ms Sharp, from Manchester, paid tribute to her own father, who served in World War Two, and other veterans.

She said: "Today is a time for reflection and gratitude and it is a moment to honour the courage and resilience of those who served on that day and to pay tribute to their spirit in the face of unimaginable challenges.

"The legacy of D-Day transcends borders, ideologies and beliefs. Your presence here today is a testament to the enduring legacy of service and sacrifice."

'I've been very moved by young men and women who are serving today who make a connection with men and women in their 90s and 100s'

Lesley Sharp tells @skysarahjane: 'They understand what it is to serve and that is incredibly moving'

Updates: https://t.co/Dk43r0HtFH

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— Sky News (@SkyNews) June 6, 2024

Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh share jokes with veterans at National Memorial Arboretum

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh shared jokes with veterans and their families as they enjoyed a relaxed lunch before a service of remembrance was held to mark 80 years since D-Day.

Prince Edward and Sophie arrived at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire to meet 26 D-Day veterans, ranging in age from 96 to 104, ahead of a formal service to commemorate the anniversary.

Meeting veteran John Davies, who had attended the service with his granddaughter and great grandson, Sophie remarked: "You're not!" when he told her he was 101.

As she chatted to Mr Davies, who had travelled from Liverpool for the occasion, she told him it was "lovely to have you here today".

Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh meets D-Day and Normandy veterans ahead of the Royal British Legion's service of remembrance (Getty Images)

Sir Keir Starmer says commemorative event was 'moving and powerful'

Sir Keir Starmer said the national commemorative event in Normandy had been "moving and powerful", adding: "My message to the veterans is 'thank you'."

Elsewhere, US President Joe Biden spoke at a US national commemoration in Normandy alongside French President Emmanuel Macron.

He said: "It is the highest honour, as Commander in Chief, to be able to salute you here in Normandy."

Prince Harry given green light to appeal High Court ruling on UK security

The Duke of Sussex has been given the green light to appeal against a High Court ruling dismissing his challenge over a decision to change the level of his personal security when he visits the UK by a Court of Appeal judge.

High Court judge Sir Peter Lane issued the ruling in February. The senior legal official has ruled in against Prince Harry.

The Duke of Sussex was left fuming when he was told he no longer qualified for protection after leaving for America with his wife in 2020 by the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec), governed by the Home Office. It set in motion a number of court appearances and in July 2022 the Duke won the right to partially challenge the decision.

Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex departs The Invictus Games Foundation 10th Anniversary Service at St Paul's Cathedral

What did King Charles and Prince William say at the event?

Charles addressed an emotional crowd of veterans at the national commemorative event in Ver-sur-Mer in Normandy, France, on Thursday as he spoke of his "profound sense of gratitude" to those who served in 1944.

He appeared emotional during the service, alongside the Queen who wiped her eye as the memories of one D-Day veteran were read to the crowd in Ver-sur-Mer.

At a Canadian commemorative ceremony on Juno Beach, William thanked those who served "for our freedom", adding: "All of you demonstrated heroism, and determination, that ensured fascism was conquered."

During his speech, the King paid tribute to the "remarkable wartime generation", telling the audience: "It is with the most profound sense of gratitude that we remember them and all who served at that critical time".

He added: "Our ability to learn from their stories at first hand diminishes, but our obligation to remember them, what they stood for and what they achieved for us all can never diminish."

Queen Camilla in awkward moment as First Lady tries to hold her hand at memorial

Queen Camilla awkwardly shrugged off Brigitte Macron as the First Lady tried to hold her hand at the D-Day memorial.

The two women laid wreaths at the British Normandy Memorial at Ver-sur-Mer before taking a step back for a moment of reflection. Brigitte then reached out to the Queen, but Camilla didn't seem interested intaking her hand.

The First Lady gave Camilla's hand a light squeeze before quickly dropping it. The pair then stood side-by-side in front of the memorial as they paid their respects.

Queen Camilla wasn't happy when she attended the British Normandy Memorial

Rishi Sunak not present at the ceremony in Normandy

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak did not attend the ceremony in Normandy on Thursday but Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer mingled with heads of state at the event on Omaha Beach in Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer.

A Tory source played down the diplomatic impact of the PM's absence, pointing out he will see French President Emmanuel Macron, US President Joe Biden, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and other key leaders at the G7 summit in Italy next week.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, Canadian D-Day veterans and armed forces personnel wewre present in Courseulles-sur-Mer in France.

Prince William joins several world leaders and D-Day veterans

The Prince of Wales joined a number of world leaders and D-Day veterans to mark the final international event commemorating the 80th anniversary of the beach invasion.

Prince William spoke to Mr Biden, Mr Macron, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky ahead of the event.

The ceremony followed speeches from the King and William, who praised the "bravery and sacrifice" of D-Day veterans who "served at that critical time".

Prince William delivers an address at the cemetery (Vianney Le Caer/REX/Shutterstock)

President Zelenskyy arrives in France and speaks on European freedom

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and first lady Olena Zelenska have arrived in France. The pair will join commemorations, which earlier saw US President Joe Biden highlight how the “dark forces" of the Second World War were still at play, referencing Vladimir Putin's war in Ukraine.

Zelenskyy shared a message on the shared values of the Allies, as he posted to X: "Allies defended the freedom of Europe then, Ukrainians defend the freedom of Europe now. Unity won then, real unity is capable of winning now."

King Charles shares update on his health amid cancer battle

King Charles told a D-Day veteran he is ”doing well” as he Queen Camilla met and chatted with heroes who stormed Normandy's beaches in 1944

King Charles spoke to D-Day veterans over lunch in Normandy (Getty Images)

Charles and Camilla visited a marquee where veterans were having tea and cakes. On one table, the King sat beside Ronald Hendrey, 98, of Clacton-on-Sea, who asked about his health. Mr Hendrey said: “He was very nice, he listened to what I was saying and took it in.

“I asked him how he was doing, he told me he is doing well.”

Billionaire Duke of Westminster's life - jaw-dropping home, royal pals and farming plans

33-year-old groom-to-be Hugh Grosvenor is the richest person under the age of 40 in the UK, and the 14th wealthiest person overall, according to The Sunday Times Rich List. The property tycoon is said to be worth an immense £10bn.

Hugh's connection to the royals stems back to his late father, Gerald Grosvenor. The 7th Duke of Westminster was a close friend and confidante of King Charles; so much so that the then-Prince Charles is one of Hugh's godfathers. In fact, the bond between the two men was so strong that Charles later asked Gerald to act as a mentor for a young Prince William.

Hugh Grosvenor, 7th Duke of Westminster (Joseph Raynor/ Nottingham Post)

Hugh became the 7th Duke of Westminster when his father sadly died from a heart attack at the age of 64 in 2016. At the time of his succession, he inherited an estimated wealth of £9billion and gained several new estates. He was just 25 at the time.

Hugh took over an immense property portfolio that spans land in the capital's most prestigious postcodes – including half of Mayfair and 300 acres of Belgravia.

Prince William pictured on surprise visit to Arromanches

Prince William has been pictured meeting with veterans and members of the public during a surprise visit to Arromanches, in Normandy, France. The Prince of Wales visited the town's D-day museum before greeting crowds.

Earlier today during a speech at the Canadian commemoration ceremony, William praised veterans for their "extraordinary acts of bravery and sacrifice."

The Prince of Wales meeting veterans and members of the public in Arromanches (PA)

Biden bashes Putin as a 'tyrant bent on domination'

Addressing a crowd in Normandy, Joe Biden said the "dark forces" fought against in the Second World War "never fade" while referencing Russia's war on Ukraine.

He said: "The struggle between dictatorship and freedom is unending. Here in Europe we see one stark example. Ukraine has been invaded by a tyrant bent on domination. Make no mistake, the autocrats of the world are watching closely.

Joe Biden has called Putin a 'tyrant bent on domination' (AFP via Getty Images)

"To surrender to bullies, to bow down to dictators, is simply unthinkable. Were we to do that, it means we would be forgetting what happened hear on these hallowed beaches.

"History tells us that freedom is not free: If you want to know the price of freedom, come here to Normandy and look."

Joe Biden praises the ‘unbreakable unity of the Allies’ in Normandy speech

Speaking to crowds at the US national commemoration in Normandy, alongside French president Emmanuel Macron, Joe Biden said D-Day was a great crusade to free Europe from tyranny.

He added: "It is the highest honour to be able to salute you in Normandy."

US President Joe Biden delivers a speech in Normandy (AFP via Getty Images)

The president recalled stories of veterans in the audience, including of one medic who continued to treat wounds and save lives despite his plane crash-landing under German fire.

"Every one of them knew the probability of dying was real, but they did it anyway. They knew, beyond any doubt, that there were things worth fighting and dying for." He added D-Day "turned the tide in our favour" and proved "the forces of liberty are stronger than the forces of conquest".

It highlighted the "unbreakable unity of the Allies", says the president.

Prince William makes surprise visit to Arromanches

The Prince of Wales has met British war veterans in Arromanches during the D-Day 80th anniversary commemorations.

William had stopped at the French town’s D-day museum following his speech at the Canadian commemoration ceremony earlier today.

The Prince of Wales meets veterans and members of the public in Arromanches (PA)

Joe Biden causes 250 miles of traffic jams in Paris as he arrives for D-Day anniversary

Paris was brought to a standstill as President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill arrived in Normandy, France, for the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

A staggering 250 miles of traffic jams were caused by the presidential convoy, leading to the closure of the western side of Paris's ring road during Thursday morning's rush hour. Sections of three motorways, including the A13, were also shut down to allow President Biden and his multiple-car entourage to reach the D-Day commemorations.

"This caused 250 miles of traffic jams," said a traffic control official in Paris. "There were plenty of angry motorists about."

 King and Queen have lunch with veterans

King Charles and Queen Camilla were pictured enjoying a lunch with D-Day veterans.

King Charles and Queen Camilla ate lunch with D-Day veterans (Getty Images)

In a moving speech this morning, Charles said admiration for D-Day veterans was "eternal." He said: “It is with the most profound sense of gratitude that we remember them and all who served at that critical time.”

He continued: "How fortunate we were, and the entire free world, that a generation of men and women in the UK and other allied nations did not flinch when the moment came to face that test." He adds he is humbled by the "resolve and determination" of that generation.

Young fan awestruck by Queen Camilla

A young fan was pictured looking up at Queen Camilla in fascination as she greeted guests at the British Normandy Memorial ceremony.

The girl was joined by Brigitte Macron, wife of French president Emmanuel Macron in Ver-Sur-Mer, France.

Queen Camilla meets a young fan in Normandy (Getty Images)

Billionaire Duke stuck in middle of Prince Harry's bitter feud with Prince William

The Duke of Westminster, who marries his long-term love Olivia Henson at Chester Cathedral on Friday, has found himself in the position of being stuck between feuding brothers Prince William and Prince Harry.

Hugh Grosvenor will marry fiancee Olivia Henson in front of a 400-strong congregation. However, one person who will be missing is close pal Prince Harry, who seemingly was invited to the nuptials, but diplomatically decided to stay away.

Hugh Grosvenor will marry fiancee Olivia Henson on Friday (PA)

That's because his brother Prince William is also invited and with the pair embroiled in a bitter feud, it appears that one party had to concede they would not attend not to overshadow the day. It comes as the groom, known as Hughie, who is the richest man in Britain under 40, finds himself in the unusual position of being close to both warring brothers.

Prince William leaves handwritten note on wreath

The Prince of Wales and prime ministers of France and Canada left flowers on Juno beach before leaving the Canadian commemorative ceremony.

Prince William and Justin Trudeau left flowers on Juno beach (PA)

William's wreath had a handwritten note on it reading: "Remembering all Canadian acts of bravery and sacrifice 80 years ago. Lest we forget. N'oublions jamais."

D-Day veteran, 100, becomes great-grandad as he arrives at 80th anniversary in France

Front line codebreaker Bernard Morgan, 100, from Crewe was the youngest RAF Sergeant to land in Normandy on D-Day at just 20 years old. He still grieves for his three wireless operators who were killed but buried at nearby Reyes Cemetery. At Bayeux he said: "Seeing these graves reminds me how I'm so lucky to have escaped alive."

RAF veteran Bernard Morgan, 100, salutes the fallen ahead of Normandy event (Getty Images)

Even more so as he became a great-grandfather again the day he travelled across the English Channel this week back to Normandy. Every grave at Bayeux has a little bit of England in front of it, red roses and grass fittingly cut to a uniformed height.

Martin Freeman shares words of veteran who said 'war is brutal'

Actor Martin Freeman opened today's ceremony in Normandy by reading words written by veteran Joe Mines.

He read: "I landed on 6 June 1944, at a place called Ver-sur-Mer." Mines' first job was to sweep for buried explosives.

Actor Martin Freeman opened the event (PA)

He continued: "Joe Mines, clearing mines. One of our fellows trod on one and blew his leg off. The whole leg went. War is brutal. I was 19 when I landed, but I was still a boy. I don’t care what people say, I wasn’t a man, I was a boy. And I didn’t have any idea of war and killing.

"This is the last and only opportunity for me...I want to pay my respects to those who didn’t make it. May they rest in peace."

Freeman's paternal grandfather, Leonard W Freeman, was a medic who died while fighting at Dunkirk.

Veteran criticises Putin's invasion of Ukraine

World War 2 veteran Alec Penstone, 99, says Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine "achieved nothing except misery."

Alec Penstone, 99, has criticised Putin's invasion of Ukraine (Ian Vogler / Daily Mirror)

Penstone was awarded the Medal of Ushakov from Russia to mark his role in the Arctic Convoys during the Second World War. Speaking at the event in Normandy, Penstone said of Russia's war on Ukraine: "It achieved nothing except misery. War is no answer.

"I have in my pocket now a message from Putin, who gave me a medal for bravery and then he goes a pulls a trick like marching into Ukraine. It's terrible. I just can't understand the human mind anymore."

Veteran Wren awarded highest honour by French president

A veteran has been awarded the greatest honour that can be received in France by president Emmanuel Macron.

Macron thanked King Charles and Queen Camilla for their attendance, as well as the "heroic sacrifice" of British troops in Normandy as he made a speech to the audience.

He said: "Nobody here in France can forget their sacrifice and your sacrifice."

British World War 2 veteran, Christian Lamb, 103, has been given the highest honour (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

The president then mentions a "hero on the shadow", Second World War Wren, Christian Lamb, 103. He speaks about her work as a clerk in the Royal Navy, followed by a plotting officer responsible for locating ships. Her role as plotting officer allowed her to plot the ship of her own fiance on a destroyer fighting 40 German U-boats.

She played a pivotal role in the logistical planning of D-Day. President Macron said: "You have set us an example that we will not forget."

The president awarded Ms Lamb the Legion D'Honneur, the National Order of the Legion of Honour.

King appears tearful at commemorative event in Normandy

The King appeared to be wiping away tears in France this morning as he was joined by Queen Camilla and other world leaders to celebrate 80 years since the D-Day landings in Normandy.

King Charles appears emotional at commemorative D-Day event in Normandy (PA)

Prince William praises veterans' 'extraordinary acts of bravery' in moving speech

Speaking to veterans at the Canadian commemoration on Juno beach, Prince William has praised their "extraordinary acts of bravery and sacrifice". He said: "All of you demonstrated heroism, and determination, that ensured fascism was conquered. The commitment to service displayed by Canadian troops is a great testament to the strength of the people of Canada."

Prince William thanked Canadian troops for ensuring 'fascism was conquered' (Getty Images)

"Ensuring the memory of those who fought for freedom lives on is why we've come together again today – to say thank you. Merci pour notre liberte, et merci pour votre service."

King Charles lays wreath as French president appears emotional

The King has laid a wreath at the Normandy memorial and French president Emmanuel Macron appeared visibly moved as he did so too.

King Charles III lays a wreath at the D-Day commemorative event (PA)

Nine Red Arrows in formation flew overhead trailing the team's trademark red, white, and blue colours. The national anthem of the United Kingdom was sung. The King shook hands with veterans watching on.

D-Day veteran, 102, dies on his way to Normandy commemoration

A 102-year-old veteran has died on his way to Normandy to commemorate D-Day, it has been confirmed.

Former sailor Robert 'Al' Persichitti has tragically died on his way to Normandy (pittsfordschools.org)

Former sailor Robert 'Al' Persichitti was travelling with a group of fellow veterans and was looking forward to the trip according to friends. He was onboard a ship heading to France when he had a medical emergency.