Prince William expressed his admiration for the extraordinary bravery of D-Day soldiers during a Canadian commemorative ceremony.
The Prince of Wales arrived at the Juno Beach Centre in Courseulles-sur-Mer, where he was greeted by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal. Both dignitaries warmly welcomed the royal before they proceeded to their seats.
Donning five medals, Prince William delivered a heartfelt speech, expressing his honor in commemorating the courage and sacrifice of Canadian troops. "Standing here today in peaceful silence, it is almost impossible to grasp the courage it would have taken to run into the fury of battle that day," he remarked. He emphasized that the D-Day assault remains the most ambitious military operation in history, leading to the liberation of Europe, albeit at a heavy cost.
In his address, the heir to the throne paid tribute to the veterans, acknowledging their heroism and determination that ensured the defeat of fascism. He concluded his speech by highlighting the enduring alliance between Canada and the UK, which has remained strong for 80 years. "Ensuring the memory of those who fought for freedom lives on is why we've come together again today to say thank you. Thank you for our freedom and thank you for your service," Prince William said. He reiterated his gratitude in French, saying, "Merci pour notre liberté, merci pour votre service."
Prince William, who serves as Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps, was attired in his Army Air Corps tie, a red poppy, three Jubilee medals, his coronation medal, and the Grand Master of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath neck order. During the ceremony, he received a royal salute from a guard of honor composed of Canadian Armed Forces troops. As a prince of Canada, he inspected the servicemen and invited Prime Minister Trudeau and the French Prime Minister to join him.
Following the formalities, Prince William was set to meet with Canadian D-Day and Second World War veterans, along with Canadian Armed Forces personnel, cadets, and representatives from youth organizations. This gathering aimed to honor the legacy and contributions of those who fought for freedom during one of history's most pivotal moments.
