Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, made heartfelt remarks about his wife, the Princess of Wales, during a D-Day commemorative event in Portsmouth. The occasion marked the 80th anniversary of the historic landings.

William hails bravery of D-Day heroes and remembers loved ones left behind | The Independent

A Touching Exchange

As veterans and their families gathered, a D-Day hero approached Prince William and inquired about the Princess of Wales’s well-being. William responded, “She’d have loved to be here.” His words conveyed both affection and regret, acknowledging the Princess’s absence from the event.

Commemorations Marking The 80th Anniversary Of D-Day Take Place In Portsmouth

He also spoke with a woman who is understood to have been a Bletchley Park codebreaker.

William told her: “My wife’s grandmother did the same sort of thing as you. Catherine only found out at the end of her life.”

Valerie Middleton, Kate’s grandmother, worked as a codebreaker at Bletchley Park which broke the Enigma code.

 

Prince Charles and Camilla had visibly fought back tears as they listened to another D-Day veteran recount the horrors of war. Navy veteran Eric Bateman shared his experience on Utah beach during World War II, describing how he and his comrades courageously leaped from boats after crossing the Channel to reach the northern French beaches. His poignant words about lost comrades left Camilla visibly moved, with Charles also wiping his eyes.

Camilla looked emotional at the event

Earlier, the King took to the stage to deliver a speech and said: “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.

“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.”

Looking Ahead

In another conversation with a veteran named Norman, Prince William expressed hope for the future. “We want you here five years from now for the 85th,” he said warmly. The sentiment reflected the enduring bond between the royal family and those who served during World War II.

The D-Day anniversary event brought together King Charles, Queen Camilla, and Prince William to honor the bravery of those who liberated Europe and ensured the success of Operation Overlord. Their presence underscored the importance of remembering history and paying tribute to the heroes who crossed the sea for freedom.