Charles III He made his first overseas trip since being diagnosed with cancer on Thursday, June 6, in France to attend the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings in World War II.
“How fortunate for us, and for the whole free world, that generations of men and women from Britain and the other Allied nations did not flinch when the moment to face that test came,” the 75-year-old royal said in French, referring to the Allied soldiers who occupied France on the same day in 1944 and led France and Western Europe to independence from Nazi Germany.
His Highness was accompanied by his wife, Queen Camilla – Dressed in white – President of France Emmanuel Macron and his wife, the First Lady of France. Brigitte Macron At the event in Normandy, he wore a military uniform. “On the beaches of Normandy, on the seas beyond, and in the skies above, our troops performed their duty with humble resolve and resoluteness.”
King Charles spoke in French today at the British Normandy Memorial, and it is impossible to overstate how much goodwill such an act generates.
🇬🇧🇫🇷pic.twitter.com/cxAP6cGfwU— Sophie Pedder (@PedderSophie) June 6, 2024
Speaking at the ceremony, he paid tribute to those “who were never able to return home” and said: “Our gratitude is endless and our respect is eternal.”
The King’s son, Prince William Come to Juno Beach, Justin Trudeau – Prime Minister of Canada – In memory of the Canadian soldiers who took part in the Normandy landings. “We continue to honour all the Canadians who gave so much, all the Canadian families who lost loved ones… we are grateful for our freedom,” he said, before saying “thank you for your service” in French, translated into English.
The outing comes three months after the king was diagnosed with cancer. “I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the many messages of support and encouragement I have received over the past few days. As anyone who has suffered from cancer knows, these kind thoughts are the greatest comfort and encouragement,” the king said in a statement.
Furthermore, the King’s attendance came amid a statement that the Royal Family would not be attending any public gatherings due to the general election on July 4th. Buckingham Palace announced on May 22nd that “the Prime Minister [Rishi Sunak] Following the announcement this afternoon calling a general election, the Royal Family will follow normal procedure and postpone any events which may divert attention or distract from the election campaign… Their Majesties offer their sincere apologies to those who may be affected as a result.”