D-Day anniversary: Prince William given huge honour as he stands in for King Charles

Phil Sweet, a Royal Naval volunteer reserve, said his ship beached on the shores of Normandy was used as a prisoner of war camp until it was dislodged by a gale.

Sweet, 99, was the ship's second in command. He told Sky News: "We were used basically as a prisoner of war camp, with German prisoners on board. Four or five hundred of them just stood there. Quite amazing. The battle had left the beach and all you've got is the prisoners.

"The noise is indescribable really and then once we hit the beach and cleared Gold Beach fairly quickly and had that sudden change to a hush... [it was] quite awe inspiring.

"I feel very honoured to be here, to represent all those who gave their lives - and many who were badly injured and have suffered ever since. I was one of the fortunate ones."

George Horner, now 97, only signed up to the army to get a hot meal, but ended up in the "slaughter house" that was Sword Beach - one of two assaulted by British forces.

Horner, a member of the Royal Ulster Rifles, told Sky News: "It was rough too getting on the shore, there was plenty of landing craft, some of them were sinking around us due to shells from the shore coming down on us.

"I had a bazooka, used it to hit tanks or blow-up buildings. It takes two to carry the bazooka. I would carry a few shells, the other boy would have carried the bazooka. I carried the radio too.

"We were always told to aim for the tracks, when they were hit, unless they put up a white flag to surrender, you just rained it down on them.

"I remember one time, myself and three other guys were in this village square, we were pinned down with heavy fire coming from the corner shop.

"I called for tank support, the tank duly fired upon the corner shop and with that the firing from the shop ceased. Upon approaching the ruined building, I got an awful shock. The ones doing the shooting from the corner shop were just kids, all I could say was 'my God, they are just children'.

"Towards the end of the war, the Nazis were throwing up kids to fight, anybody at all in fact, that they could get to walk in a uniform, they gave a gun to. These Hitler Youth actually proved to be fanatical fighters defending their homeland."

A 98-year-old D-Day veteran Albert Lamond gave a moving speech as the guest of honour at a military care home party to mark the 80th anniversary.

Dozens of veterans attended the 1940s-themed party at the Erskine Home, run by Erskine Veterans Charity, in Bishopton.

Lamond, t he sole remaining D-Day veteran to live at the home, was 18 when he served in the Navy on HMS Rowley during Operation Overlord.

He said: "It’s vital we teach future generations the true cost of freedom and ensure they never forget the horrors we faced.

"It’s our duty to keep the past alive, so history does not repeat its darkest days."

Richard "Dick" Rung from Illinois served on D-Day as a motor machinist mate second class. He told NBC News: "It was raining death. I heard someone saying over the radio, 'We are being slaughtered like hogs' — and it’s true, we were."

Gideon Kantor fled Europe for America as a 16-year-old Jewish refugee after Adolf Hitler took power in his homeland. The 99-year-old told the outlet "I was so eager to do exactly what I considered my duties" so he returned to Europe to fight.

He recalled: "I was in a truck company, and they wouldn’t spell out antisemitism as such but they would say 'New York City' with the clear implication that it was a Jewish town.

"I lived through the Hitler times in 1938. You see what a dictator can do, and unless you believe in democracy passionately, you can see what can happen. It’s quite frightening."

While paying tribute to the soldiers who served in World War II, Emmanuel Macron also praised the courage of Volodymyr Zelensky.

Addressing everyone at the D-Day ceremony, he said: "When we look at war coming back to our continent, when we look at people questioning the values for which we fought, when we look at those who want to change borders by force by rewriting history - let us stand with dignity and look at those who landed here.

"Let us have their courage. Here, the president of Ukraine - your presence here today shows us this in a very forceful way."

Macron made a speech during the ceremony, the end of which was drowned out by a flypast of jets trailing the red white and blue blue colours of the French flag.

He smiled and paused for the jets to leave before three French Mirage fighters passed over, followed by a US tanker with F-35s, and three Dakotas - instrumental to World War II aviation fleet.

Macron said, "Vive le république and vive La France!" as the crowd cheered and the French national anthem played.

The ceremony is full of musical and dance performances on stage, paratroopers landing on the beach, and personnel playing the bagpipes.

Veteran Ed Berthold of the 445th Bomb Group of the US Air Force, read the letter he sent home after a bombing mission on D-Day.

He read, "Everything is swell. We’ve got American candy!" before saluting and smiling while the audience erupted in applause.

Joe Biden started crying during the D-Day 80th anniversary ceremony at Omaha Beach.

Joined by his wife Jill and various other world leaders, the US President shed a tear while watching the proceedings.

World leaders, including Biden and Macron, arrived at Omaha Beach for the international D-Day ceremony, attended by some 25 heads of state and 4,500 spectators.

Volodymyr Zelenskywas also seen chatting with a number of World War II veterans onstage and giving them hugs.

Due to the ongoing war in Ukraine, the Russian delegation was uninvited from the 80th anniversary commemorations.

Thousands were in attendance as a a flypast by four F-35s in the "missing wingman" formation roared overhead.

Included in the crowd at the Normandy American Cemetery were Biden, Macron and dozens of veterans.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been greeted with huge applause and cheers as he arrived for a D-Day anniversary ceremony attended by international leaders.

Zelensky is joining other world leaders, heads of state and veterans on the promenade along Omaha Beach for the ceremony, set to begin shortly.

A tearful King Charles honoured Britain's "remarkable war-time generation" at the British Normandy Memorial, during an event to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

The British event, culminating in an incredible flyover from the famous Red Arrows, saw the legendary aerobatics team leave a trail of red, white and blue as they zoomed overhead.

Rishi Sunak and French President Emmanuel Macron also attended the national commemorative event.

Prince William is attending Canada's ceremony and the US president Joe Biden is holding a ceremony above Omaha Beach - the site 2,500 American soldiers died on D-Day.

It is 80 years to the day since Allied troops landed on the beaches of northern France - the largest amphibious military invasion in history.

Nearly 160,000 troops were involved, with around 4,415 dying on June 6 1944. D-Day was the first day of Operation Overlord, designed to liberate western Europe from Nazi control.

A tearful veteran arrives at the official international ceremony at Omaha Beach joining over 25 heads of state and veterans from around the world.

Movie legend Tom Hanks heaped praise on the D-Day veterans.

He told NBC News: "The day is going to come where the last veteran of World War II is going to go and perhaps that might be the last veteran of D-Day.

"And when it happens the good news is that their story will have been told by them.

"We have then a record of people who brought peace to the world and their story must be told and studied and it’s an example and it’s part of the enlightenment that we should all embrace."

A D-Day veteran who paid tribute at the UK national commemorative event to a friend who saved his life, said he became a “bit tearful”.

Arthur Oborne, 100, recalled being shot in the lung three days after arriving on Gold Beach.

His life was saved by his friend Walter Gummerson, who was killed the next day alongside the rest of his unit.

Mr Oborne, from Portishead, Somerset, told the crowd: “I wish I could tell him that I have never taken his sacrifice for granted and will always remember him and our friends.

“So Gummy, thank you my old friend.”

Afterwards he said: “I had no problems talking but it was a bit emotional, I was a bit upset and teary.

“I think everyone did well at the service, I was a bit apprehensive at the start but I wanted to speak.”

Prince Edward and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh are at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.

The Duke of Edinburgh was pictured speaking to veterans at the Royal British Legion remembrance service.

The Reform UK leader attacked the Conservative leader, writing on X: "The Prime Minister has ducked out of the international D-Day event to fly back to the UK to campaign.

"I am here in Normandy in a personal capacity because I think it matters. Does he?"

The King gave a two-word assessment of his health to a D-Day veteran, as he and the Queen met with the heroes who stormed the beaches.

After attending the UK's commemoration event in Ver-sur-Mer in Normandy on Thursday, 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.

A D-Day veteran gave the Queen a white flower he received during the UK Normandy event because "she is a very nice person".

Gilbert Clarke, 98, who was born in Montego Bay, Jamaica, said of his meeting with Camilla: "I gave it to her because she is a very nice person.

"She took the time to talk to us, so I wanted to give it."

The US President used his D-Day speech to renew America's commitment to the memory of the veterans who fought Nazi tyranny, by ensuring it would continue to support Ukraine's ongoing fight for freedom.

"Isolationism was not the answer 80 years ago, and it's not the answer today", he said.

"We know the dark forces that these heroes fought 80 years ago - they never fade.

"Aggression and greed, the desire to dominate and control, to change borders by force - these are perennial."

Explicitly naming Ukraine, he said: "Here in Europe we see one stark example - Ukraine has been invaded by a tyrant bent on domination."

He praised President Zelensky's people for "fighting with extraordinary courage" and "suffering great losses but never backing down."

Raising his voice, he vowed: "We will not walk away because if we do Ukraine will be subjugated and it will not ended there.

"Ukraine’s neighbours will be threatened, all of Europe will be threatened."

He added: "And make no mistake the autocrats of the world are watching closely to see what happens in Ukraine.

"To surrender to bullies, to bow down to dictators, is simply unthinkable.

"Were we to do that, it means that we be forgetting what happened here on these hallowed beaches."

The President allowed his speech to be paused for applause, after he lauded NATO as "the greatest military alliance in the history of the world".

Giving way to the applause, the President nodded and said: "You got it, it is."

French First Lady Brigitte Macron was seen clapping, sat next to President Macron.

Mr Biden told the audience and assembled media that the D-Day heroes knew freedom and democracy was worth fighting for.

“Every one of them knew the probability of dying was real but they did it anyway. They knew beyond any doubt there are things that are worth fighting and dying for.

“Freedom is worth it, democracy is worth it, America is worth it, the world is worth it. Then, now and always.”

“On behalf of the American people and as Commander-in-Chief it’s the highest honour to be able to salute you here in Normandy once more.

“All of you - God love you.”

Welcomed to the lectern by a standing ovation, President Biden said: "The hour had nearly come. Monday June 5 1944. The evil of Hitler’s Third Reich was devastating the world.

"Nazi Germany had subjugated the once free nations of Europe through brute force, lies and twisted ideology of racial superiority."

The 46th President continued: "Millions of jews murdered in the holocaust, millions of others killed by bombs, bullets, bloody warfare.

"Hitler and those with him thought democracies were weak - that the future belonged to dictators.

"Here on the coast of normandy. The battle of between freedom and tyranny would be joined.

"Here on that june morning, the testing was at hand."

More to follow...

The Prime Minister will not be representing the United Kingdom at the international ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

The King, who is being treated for cancer, is also not going to be in attendance. Instead, Prince William will represent the UK at the event.

Sir Keir Starmer will be in attendance, mingling with other world leaders including President Zelensky, President Biden, and President Macron.

The Prince of Wales said at the Canadian commemorative ceremony at Juno Beach: “The assault on D-Day remains the most ambitious military operation in history.

“The events of that windy, grey day, ultimately led to the liberation of Europe, but it came at heavy cost.

“We continue to honour every Canadian, who gave so much. Every Canadian family who lost a loved one.

“Every Canadian who lived with the scars of battle, both physical and mental.”

The King and Queen attended the official opening of the Winston Churchill Education and Learning Centre on the site of the British Normandy Memorial.

21-yar-old Bill Millin stepped off his landing craft in Normandy 80 years ago wearing his dad's First World War kild armed only with a ceremonial dagger and a set of bagpipes.

He bravely roused his comrades with traditional music as gunfire and explosions rang all around them.

Millin somehow survived the hail of bullets, as he blasted out The Road To The Isles, a plaintive tune about the hills of Skye.

German snipers later said they avoided shooting the 21-year-old as they thought he had gone mad.

After the Canadian ceremony on Juno Beach, which included a minute silence, the Prince of Wales as well as the French and Canadian Prime Ministers briefly chatted to some of the D-Day veterans.

William asked one serviceman: "Memories bringing it all back?"

And speaking to another Canadian veteran, when the conversation turned toward the ages of men who fought 80 years ago, the royal said: "A lot of people were lying about their ages."

The Prince of Wales left a floral tribute on Juno Beach as a lone piper played a lament.

The King and Queen chatted with veterans during a lunch following the UK national commemorative event.

The Prince of Wales was greeted by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as the royal arrived at a Canadian commemorative ceremony at the Juno Beach Centre in Courseulles-sur-Mer earlier this morning.

William gave a touching tribute to the veterans and concluding his short address, William said: “Canada and the UK continue to stand, side by side as we did in 1944. Just as strong together, 80 years later.

The Ukrainian president has arrived in France for the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

In a post on X, which showed him disembarking from his aircraft, he said: "This event and day serve as a reminder of the courage and determination demonstrated in the pursuit of freedom and democracy.

"Allies defended Europe's freedom then, and Ukrainians do so now. Unity prevailed then, and true unity can prevail today."

Liberal Democrats leader Sir Ed Davey said it is “critical” to pass on the memory of D-Day to young people.

Speaking to broadcasters during a campaign visit to the village of Lacock in Wiltshire, he said: “It was a most important moment in our country’s history and I think the world’s history.

“It was a fight for freedom, a fight for democracy. If those brave men and women hadn’t fought that day, gone onto those beaches, we might not be having elections at the moment. We might not have the freedoms we enjoy.”

As he met with veterans and cooked burgers for them, Sir Ed said: “I think today we should dedicate ourselves to help our soldiers and our veterans more than we do.

“For example, the scandal of poor military housing. The Liberal Democrats… have campaigned in Parliament to try to force the Government to do a far better job for our service personnel and our veterans, and I think that’s an issue in this campaign.”

A-Lister Tom Hanks and iconic director Steven Spielberg, whose father fought in World War Two, were in attendance at the American commemorative event.

The showbiz pair have worked together on several wartime projects, most notably Saving Private Ryan and Band of Brothers.

US President Joe Biden is poised to speak at the American commemorative event in Normandy.

More to follow...

Joe Biden has been speaking to US D-Day veterans at the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in Colleville-sur-Mer, which overlooks Omaha Beach.

Omaha Beach, along with Utah Beach, were the responsibility of American troops during the D-Day landings.

In total, 2,500 US soldiers died at Omaha.

The Prince of Wales said he wanted to thank the Canadian veterans for their “extraordinary acts of bravery and sacrifice” and he spoke of the continued bond between Canada and the UK.

William, at the Canadian commemorative ceremony on Juno Beach, 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.

“Canada and the UK continue to stand side by side as we did in 1944. Just as strong together, 80 years later.

“Ensuring the memory of those who fought for freedom lives on is why we’ve come together again today – to say thank you.”

After flying back to northern France, the legendary pilots will zoom back to Britain.

Here are the flying co-ordinates, according to militaryairshows.co.uk.

- 504648N 0015033W BOURNEMOUTH – 2.53pm

- 504129N 0014717W S OF BOURNEMOUTH – 2.55pm

- 500000N 0010318W FIR BOUNDARY – 3.03pm

- 500000N 0010318W FIR BOUNDARY – 3.55pm

- 504648N 0015033W BOURNEMOUTH – 4.00pm

Queen Camilla, who was brought to tears by the moving ceremonies in Portsmouth yesterday and Normandy today, spoke to D-Day veterans at both events.

This morning, the Queen was seen chatting with the war heroes, including 98-year-old Henry Rice, from Surrey.

Earlier, the veteran said he was travelling to Normandy to honour British soldiers that were lost in the fighting: "I will go to the cemetery and yes, I will have a few tears in my eyes, and I do it out of respect and admiration for those boys. I survived and they didn't."

The famous Red Arrows aerobatic squadron have flown over the British Normandy Memorial, leaving red, white and blue smoke in their wake.

The pilots will be wowing crowds in England today, as well as the memorial attendees in northern France.

One of the men that landed in Normandy on June 6 1944 placed a wreath at the British Normandy Memorial - an act of remembrance for those that lost their lives 80 years ago.

The Prince of Wales has praised the “bravery and sacrifice of the Canadian troops, who gave so much 80 years ago” as he delivered a speech at a D-Day anniversary ceremony on Juno Beach.

He was joined by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, Canadian D-Day veterans and armed forces personnel in Courseulles-sur-Mer in France.

Heir to the throne William said: “On June 6 1944, as part of the 150,000 Allied troops that landed or parachuted into Normandy, 14,000 were from Canada.

“Far from home they stormed these very sand dunes behind me, shoulder to shoulder with thousands of British 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.”

Concluding his speech, the King spoke of his "unfailing" gratitude to those who lost their lives on D-Day 80 years ago.

The monarch added: "This vital start to the liberation of Europe was a vast Allied effort.

"American, British, Canadian, French and Polish formations fought here in Normandy.

"Among the names inscribed on the walls and pillars of this memorial are men and women from more than 30 different nations and many faiths.

"United, they fought together for what my grandfather, King George VI, described as ‘a world in which goodness and honour may be the foundation of the life of men in every land’.

"As we stand alongside their remaining friends and comrades on this hallowed ground, let us affirm that we will strive to live by their example.

"Let us pray such sacrifice need never be made again and let us commit to carrying forward their resounding message of courage and resilience in the pursuit of freedom, tempered by the duty of responsibilities to others for the benefits of younger generations and those yet unborn.

"Our gratitude is unfailing and our admiration eternal."

The King lauded the D-Day soldiers that endured a "supreme test" on June 6 1944 - 80 years ago today.

"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 said.

The monarch praised the "resolve and determination" of the war generation.

He added: "It is with the most profound sense of gratitude that we remember them and all those who served at that critical time."

"We recall the lesson that comes to us again and again across the decades: Free nations must stand together to oppose tyranny."

Prince William was pictured arriving at Canada's commemorative D-Day event.

The Prince of Wales greeted Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at Juno Beach in Courseulles-sur-Mer.

In total, 340 Canadians died on Juno Beach, with 574 more wounded.

During the King's speech at the British Normandy Memorial in Ver-sur-Mer, he told the audience: "Our obligation to remember them... can never diminish."

"That is why I am so proud we have a permanent national memorial in Normandy."

"It was built at the suggestion of a veteran, George Batts."

Quoting the veteran, who died aged 97 in 2022, he said: "'We left a lot of mates behind, and I now I know they will never be forgotten.'"

The monarch added: "So for the first time today we can come together at Gold Beach... to honour those who fought on this ground 80 years ago."

The King is addressing the audience of veterans and leaders at the British Normandy Memorial in Ver-sur-Mer.

More to follow...

King Charles appeared to share a joke with French President Emmanuel Macron, after he greeted his wife Brigitte.

Mr Macron and the King were pictured laughing as the monarch flicked through the ceremony's programme.

Martin Freeman read the words of Joe Mines, a D-Day veteran who landed on Gold Beach 80 years ago and was present at the commemorative event held in Normandy on Thursday.

In the message read by the actor, Mr Mines said he had come back “to pay my respect to those who didn’t make it”.

Mr Mines smiled and waved to applause from the audience as Mr Freeman concluded his speech and sat down next to the veteran.

Both King Charles and Queen Camilla could be seen shedding a tear during the emotional memorial event.

The King and Queen have been pictured arriving at the British Normandy Memorial in bright sunshine.

This is the first major overseas trip for King Charles since his cancer diagnosis.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak told D-Day veterans “we owe you everything” as he addressed the audience at the UK’s national commemoration event in Normandy to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

The Prime Minister said: “Each of you who contributed that day – sailor, soldier, aviator, civilian – whether you fought on the beaches, or parachuted from the skies, or flew fighters or gliders, whether you were an engineer or a radio operator or an intelligence officer, your actions freed a continent and built a better world.

“You risked everything and we owe you everything.

“We cannot possibly hope to repay that debt but we can and we must pledge never to forget.

He said veterans had “taught generations of young people about the horrors of war”, adding: “Yet with each passing year, it falls now to those of us who listened in awe to your stories to pass them on to our own children and grandchildren.

“Because only by remembering can we make certain that the cause you fought for, that so many of your friends and colleagues died for, that great cause of freedom, peace and democracy, will never be taken for granted.”

D-Day veterans share their stories, eighty years on from that historic day.

The King and Queen have arrived at the British Normandy Memorial in Ver-sur-Mer.

More to follow.

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps and Jason Coward, national chairman of the Royal British Legion, have said “we must always remember how much we owe” the D-Day generation.

In a joint statement in the Order of Service for the UK national commemorative event at the British Normandy Memorial, they said it is “crucial” to remember the service and sacrifices of those who fought.

The foreword went on: “Their labours and determination helped to change the course of history and earn the freedoms that we know today. This is their legacy, which we honour today.

“We must always remember how much we owe this extraordinary generation, and today we offer our profound thanks.”

Rishi Sunak has spoken at the British Normandy Memorial, saying that D-Day veterans are "the best of us".

We'll have more on his speech shortly.

The Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps were seen speaking at the British commemorative event in Normandy.

Both men were in attendance at the D-Day anniversary event in Portsmouth yesterday.

Joe Biden has arrived in Normandy with First Lady Jill ahead of the ceremony.

Down the coast from Arromanches, the Royal Marines of 47 Commando have recreated a beach landing at Asnelles.

Major Andy Atkinson, Officer Commanding 47 Commando Royal Marines, told spectators lined on the beach wall and grass on the hill overlooking the sea that he served in Iraq and Afghanistan but “nothing compares” to D-Day.

He set the scene of 80 years ago where thousands of warships and landing craft could be seen at sea alongside the troops that came ashore.

He said veterans would have been nauseous after a night of being battered in their crafts, as the sea conditions were “quite rough“ compared to today, which is calm and “pleasant”.

“Where we are standing now is smoke and fire,” he said describing the reality of D-Day.

The piper who began the commemorations for the 80th anniversary of D-Day in Normandy by playing a lament at sea at the exact moment of the beach invasion in 1944 said he was “totally humbled” by the experience.

Major Trevor Macey-Lillie said he felt “totally humbled and privileged to be coming off the landing craft that docks onto the beaches, the same as those guys, those young soldiers many, many years ago – 80 years ago today.

“Totally outstanding – wouldn’t have missed it for the world. The memories of all those guys here.”

Maj Macey-Lillie added it was important “to represent them and obviously to keep the memory alive for all those past soldiers and the ones that are still with us today”.

Asked how it felt to be back five years after having played for the 75th anniversary, he said: “Outstanding, you know what I mean, that Mulberry Harbour right behind me here, number 449, was the one I played on on the 75th.

“To be back here on the same beach, doing the same style of work again is amazing.”

The Royal Family X account put out a statement this morning.

It read: "Today, we remember the sacrifices made by all those involved in the D-Day landings.

"On this day 80 years ago, more than 5,000 ships and landing craft delivered 150,000 troops to five beaches in Normandy.

"4,440 Allied soldiers lost their lives on D-Day - the first day of Operation Overlord, which ultimately brought about the liberation of German-occupied Western Europe."

The UK MoD thanked the heroic service personnel that launched the Allied invasion of western Europe in 1944 - freeing the continent from "Nazi tyranny".

Here is a breakdown of some of main D-Day commemoration events taking place in France.

UK commemorative ceremony - British Normandy Memorial, Ver-sur-Mer

The memorial contains the names of the 22,442 servicemen and women who fell on D-Day and during the rest of the Battle of Normandy.

Veterans and 2000 guests will be in attendance. King Charles and Queen Camilla will also be there, with the event expected to start at 9.30am.

Canadian commemorative ceremony - Juno Beach Centre, Courseulles-sur-Mer

The Prince of Wales will attend the Canadian commemorative ceremony starting at 10am at the Juno Beach Centre, Courseulles-sur-Mer, hosted by the Government of Canada.

Prince William will join Canadian D-Day and Second World War Veterans, as well as Canadian Armed Forces personnel, cadets, and wider youth representatives.

At the event, the Heir to the Throne will make a speech and lay a wreath.

US commemorative ceremony - American Cemetary, Colleville-sur-Mer

At around 11am, US President Joe Biden will lead a US ceremony in the presence of veterans. The cemetary is above Omaha Beach, where 2,500 American soldiers died on D-Day.

International ceremony - Omaha Beach

From 2pm, the official international ceremony will take place at Omaha Beach, where more than 2,500 American soldiers died.

A D-Day hero has died while travelling to a memorial event in France.

102-year-old World War Two veteran Robert Persichitti was a regular attendee of D-Day commemorative events and was on board a ship to Normandy when he suffered a medical emergency.

Travelling with the National World War II Museum group, he was airlifted to a hospital in Germany where he died.

Read more about Robert Persichitti's World War Two service here.

Current US military personnel are at the Normandy American Cemetary above Omaha Beach.

Omaha Beach was one of beaches given codenames for the D-Day Landings.

It was the responsibility of US troops to take, although they received naval support from the British, Canadian and Free French.

There were more than 3,600 casualties on D-Day at Omaha Beach.

Sir Keir Starmer has shared a video on X of him meeting D-Day veterans.

The short clip showed the former Crown Prosecution Service chief at the D-Day 80th anniversary event in Portsmouth yesterday.

During the video, he said of the brave service personnel that made D-Day possible and that landed on the beaches of Normandy: "... we recognise with one voice as a nation that our debt could never be paid in full."

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has been seen on a stretch of beach in Arromanches-les-Bains, codenamed Gold Beach during the Normandy Landings.

The arch-Brexiteer was in Arromanches yesterday on the eve of the D-Day festivities.

Taking to X, he wrote: "Arromanches on the eve of D-Day 80th.

"Almost a celebratory atmosphere here, but tomorrow will be very different."

A military piper has begun commemorations for the 80th anniversary of D-Day in Normandy by playing a lament at sea at the exact moment of the beach invasion in 1944.

Royals and world leaders are set to gather with veterans in the northern French region to mark the occasion on Thursday.

At Gold Beach in Arromanches, Major Trevor Macey-Lillie paid tribute to fallen veterans, who led the biggest seaborne invasion in military history, by playing Highland Laddie as he came ashore.

The piece was also to remember a lone piper who played in the Normandy landings and was never shot at.

BBC viewers were left emotional after watching a special programme to commemorate 80 years since Allied forces began the liberation of Europe. Events to commemorate the D-Day operation took place today in Portsmouth and Normandy.

As part of a spectacular two-day tribute, the BBC aired a programme about the veterans who took part in the largest amphibious invasion in history. During the programme, the fallen were also remembered and many viewers were left in tears.

As we remember the courageous D-Day soldiers, I can't help but draw parallels on the young people of today, says Esther Krakue.

Two days of commemorations for the 80th anniversary of D-Day, when tens of thousands of Allied troops landed on beaches across Normandy to begin the liberation of Occupied Europe, are under way in the UK and France. King Charles and Rishi Sunak are expected to join hundreds of schoolchildren for a “cultural commemoration” shown live on the BBC.

There will be musical performances, a Red Arrows flypast and testimony from veterans, recalling what is still known as “the longest day”. What an honour it is to be able to hear from those to whom we owe so much of our liberty and democracy.

Accounts from the likes of Donald Howkins, 103, an apprentice butcher-turned-gunner from Buckingham, or the late Gordon Prime, tasked with driving a three-ton truck loaded with high-explosive shells and 200 gallons of petrol, bring the harrowing ordeals of the Second World War to life.

Yet just as we revere the sacrifice of Mr Prime’s generation, I can’t help but draw parallels with the young people of today and find them wanting.

D-Day veterans enjoyed a day to remember in the Portsmouth sun today, as surviving war heroes came together, along with their families, senior royals, military figures and politicians, to mark the 80th anniversary of the Normandy Landings.

Keith Whiting, 98, from Northampton, who served on HMS Ramillies, told the Daily Express he was “more than pleased” to make it to the 80th anniversary, conscious that for him “this could be the last one”.

Standing tall, Keith, who was honoured with the French Legion d'Honneaur in 2019, beamed as he told our reporter of his meeting with King Charles at the end of the ceremony.

Hero D-Day soldier John Duke, 103, has vowed to do it "all again" to protect the country he loves as he saluted his fallen brothers in arms.

Exactly 80 years ago this fearless warrior landed on Gold Beach as all around him comrades fell amid a hail of gunfire.

Today he is one of the last men standing.

And as one of Britain’s oldest D-Day veterans he marked the momentous milestone by paying his own solemn tribute to the 22,442 brothers in arms who gave their lives in the mighty battle for freedom.

Princess Anne is the first member of the Royal Family to arrive in Normandy, France, ahead of D-Day tomorrow.

Here we share some of the first images of the Princess Royal as she chats to veterans.

Princess Anne has become the first member of the Royal Family to arrive in France to commemorate the anniversary of D-Day, as she has unveiled a statue of a World War II Canadian Royal Regina Rifleman in Normandy.

Having served as Colonel in Chief of the Regiment since 1982, the Princess Royal and her husband Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence were welcomed by veterans at the event before joining them afterwards for a private ceremony.

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My name is Mieka Smiles and I'll be bringing you all the latest on the D-Day commemorations.

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Some D-Day heros had lunch with other veterans and the Prime Minister and then met King Charles. 

Vera Brett, 99, who was a 19-year-old Wren based in Portsmouth on D-Day, helped to develop a radar controlled gunnery at nearby Eastney.

“It has been a fantastic day. It’s something I never thought would happen,” she said. “I was only an ordinary Jenny Wren.”

She said of her meeting with the King: “He was charming, so lovely. They all were. They are so relaxed compared to how they used to be in the old days.”

She added of the event: “It made me cry. I can sing Vera Lynn songs still.”

A D-Day veteran told Prince William he was on Juno beach and described it as “carnage”.

The Normandy hero then asked William if the Princess of Wales was “getting better”.

William said: “She’d have loved to be here.”

Princess Kate is away from public duties while she undergoes treatment for cancer. SHe has not had any public engagements since Christmas.

Speaking to another veteran, called Norman, William said: “We want you here in five years time for the 85th.”

Princess Anne has paid tribute to the “loyalty, bravery and duty” of Canadian forces in the Second World War.

She unveiled a statue in Normandy to honour them, calling on the public to “never forget the sacrifices and determination” of the Royal Regina Rifles.

The Princess Royal said of the landings: “One can only imagine the sense of trepidation; anticipation and probably fear of the unknown.”

Inside a warship turret on D-Day, veteran Keith Whiting said he fired the guns at such a rate his eyes and nose bled.

Each night Mr Whiting, now 98, would return to Portsmouth to make sure the cannons were still in working order, before doing it all again the next day.

The gunner would fire up to 1,000 one tonne shells every 24 hours, he said.

"Inside the turret, during D-Day, it was fired so much that your nose started bleeding and blood came out your ears. What we did was get some tissue, roll it up and stuck them up your nose and in your ears."

He said it is important to remember D-Day to "stop it happening again for the next generation".

Describing the celebration, he said: "It has been marvellous today and brought back a lot of memories as well. It's been lovely, I met the Royal Family, King and Queen and Prince William."

There are many events taking place to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day, but here are some of the largest.

Today (June 5), the Royal British Legion will be holding an event at Bayeux War Cemetery in France. It is not open to the public due to being ticketed.

The National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire is putting on an exhibition called Legacies of D-Day from June 6 in partnership with the British Normandy Memorial in France. It will also be holding a D-Day 80 service on June 6.

At the British Normandy Memorial, the Royal British Legion and the Ministry of Defence will hold the British National Event to mark the anniversary. It will be broadcast on ther BBC but not open to the public.

Second World War veteran Jack Hemmings has visited the Bayeux War Cemetery, France, ahead of a service of commemoration ahead of the 80th anniversary of D-Day on Thursday.

Mr Hemmings is believed to be the oldest living D-Day veteran, at 102-years-old.

On 22nd May The King and Queen hosted a small group of World War II veterans at Buckingham Palace.

During the meeting Bernard Morgan, John Dennett, Jim Miller and Arthur Oborne all shared their extraordinary personal stories from the D-Day landings of 1944.

His Majesty read from his grandfather's wartime diary.

The King asked one veteran how it felt coming back and reliving the stories. 

“It’s amazing how you’ve all kept yourselves in such great shape after all these years,” he said.

Chatting to one paratrooper, he said: “At least they dropped you in the right place. Because that’s always the worry.”

The King was told that the paratrooper would turn 100 in August. “Well I hope we’ll have your card ready,” he replied.

William spoke to an elderly code breaker who worked at Bletchley Park. “My wife’s grandmother did the same sort of thing as you,” he said. “Catherine only found out about it at the end of her life.”

Princess Anne has become the first member of the Royal Family to arrive in France to commemorate the anniversary of D-Day, as she prepares to unveil a statue of a World War II Canadian Royal Regina Rifleman in Normandy.

Having served as Colonel in Chief of the Regiment since 1982, the Princess Royal and her husband Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence will be welcomed by veterans at the event before joining them afterwards for a private ceremony.

More than 300 British, Belgian and US parachutists are due to land on fields near Sannerville on Wednesday, which was designated drop zone K on June 6 1944.

Among the 250 soldiers from the British Army’s 16 Air Assault Brigade was Sergeant Danny Mawson, a keen historian who wore a smock worn by Colour Sergeant Tommy Alderson, who jumped on D-Day.

Also jumping was Lieutenant Max Phillips, whose great-great-uncle Major William Tighe-Woods landed on Sword Beach on D-Day.

After the ceremony, the Prince of Wales chatted to the veterans who took part in the D-Day landings.

Prince William told them he found it “very moving” listening to the stories and the letters read out during the event, “even now, 80 years later.”

When a veteran thanked him for attending, William said: “No, we’re here to thank you.”

He spoke to another veteran about the landings, saying: “it was a whole logistics mission everything about it was enormous; huge.

“We’re where to say a big thank you to you and all your colleagues who didn’t make it back.”

More than 150,000 Allied troops landed in Nazi-occupied France on June 6, 1944, including 73,000 Americans, 60,000 British and 15,000 Canadians.

Around 4,500 Allies died in their historic bid to loosen Nazi Germany’s grip over mainland Europe. 

Dozens of UK D-Day veterans are still alive and met in Hampshire two days ago. Many traveled on to Portsmouth and France for commemoration events.

They have been joined in Normandy by 24 American and four Canadian veterans of the landings.

The Red Arrows passed over Portsmouth as part of D-Day 80th anniversary commemorations .

The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team travelled from Bournemouth Airport, round the Isle of Wight and past Portsmouth.

Normandy beaches are dotted with tributes to those who gave their lives on D-Day.

The two-metre tall metal statues are black, giving only the silhouettes of 1,475 troops lining the coastline.

Each statue represents a fallen British serviceman who died during fighting at Sword or Gold beach.

The installation will remain in place until the end of August, where they will return to the UK.

Queen Camilla appeared 'teary-eyed' after King Charles delivered an emotional speech in Portsmouth to commemorate D-Day.

The Queen stood beside the King as he gave the speech, appearing to well up, overcome by emotion.

Camilla's father Major Bruce Shand served in the 12th Lancers - now part of the Royal Lancers - and won a Military Cross for gallantry during the Battle of Dunkirk in the Second World War.

D-Day is the one of the King's largest engagements since returning to public work following his cancer diagnosis.

The King took to the stage to deliver his address. He began by recalling the story of Field Marshal Montgomery, the commander in chief of the Allied forces on D-Day.

"Today we come together to honour those nearly 160,000 British Commonwealth and allied troops who on the 5 June 1944 assembled here and along those shores to embark on a mission which would strike that blow for freedom and be recorded as the greatest amphibious operation in history," he said. 

He told the crowd that those who gathered in Portsmouth would "never forget the sight" of the "largest military fleet the world has ever known". 

"None could know their fate," His Majesty says. He read a poem by Keith Douglas, who was killed in action. 

"At this remove eight decades later, it is a near impossible task to imagine the emotion of that day," he adds. 

"The pride of being part of so great an enterprise, the anxiety of in some way not coming up to scratch, and the fear of that day being their last." 

He said he has recently spoken to veterans who remember the day with "heartbreaking clarity", adding that the stories have been full of "courage, resilience and solidarity". 

"It is our privilege to hear that testimony, but our role is not purely passive," he said. "It is our duty to ensure that we and future generations do not forget their services in replacing tyranny with freedom." 

He tells the crowd that the actions of British forces liberated the "whole of Europe from the stranglehold of brutal totalitarianism". 

"Let's just once again commit ourselves always to remember, cherish and honour those who served that day, and to live up to the freedom that they died for by balancing rights with civic responsibilities to our country, for we are all eternally in their debt," he concluded. 

Britain was not alone

In addition to those from the UK, D-day forces included sailors, soldiers, and airmen from the USA, Canada, Australia, Belgium, Czechoslovakia, France, Greece, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland and others.

Fake news played a big role

It was impossible to hide the coming attack from the German intelligence. The allies therefore ran operations to confuse them on when and where it would take place.

They leaked fake plans, set up fake camps and sent fake coded radio messages. On the morning of the 6 June, the Allied forces bombed Calais to give the illusion they were readying for an attack.

Hitler had been preparing

The D-Day landings weren’t a simple matter of invading a series of beaches. They involved breaching Hitler’s Atlantic Wall – a series of ‘impenetrable’ defences stretching 1,670 miles from Norway to Spain.

Much of this wall is still intact. Concrete turret defences, anti-landing obstacles and more can still be found all across the coast.

Even the Allied Forces couldn't beat the weather

The D-Day invasion was actually planned for the 5 June, however, in true British fashion, the weather was too bad for the ships to set sail. It was therefore postponed until the day after.

It wasn't the easiest option on the table

The Axis powers considered Normandy to be one of the least likely places for the Allies to attack. It had one of the furthest crossing distances from the UK and no port.

The Prince of Wales appeared on stage to a round of applause with veterans watching, he said he was "honoured" to be joining them.

He remembered John Haddock, a soldier who participated in the D-Day landings.

"Many of those who took up arms had never seen combat before, some were still only in their teens," the prince said. "In their letters and diaries, we see their great strength."

He also read an extract from a letter by Captain Alastair Bannerman from the Royal Warwickshire Regiment on the morning of D-Day.

"Captain Bannerman survived the landings and the war, being taken prisoner and returning home to his wife and sons in April the next year," Prince William added.

"Too many never returned. They remain in some corner of a foreign field that is forever England."

He concluded: "Today we remember the bravery of those who cross this sea to liberate Europe, those who ensured Operation Overlord was a success and those who waited for their safe return."

Commemoration events have started at Portsmouth. There have been readings by actors from the letters and diaries of those impacted by or involved in D-Day.

There have also been musical performances and a speech by the Prince of Wales. The event is being hosted by Dame Helen Mirren.

Every year on the anniversary of D-Day, French citizens take wet sand from Omaha Beach and rub it onto the gravestones of fallen soldiers who gave their lives during the landings.

It gives the letters a golden shine. They do this for all 9,386 American soldiers buried there.

Those visiting the graves of family members throughout the year are also given sand, water and a sponge to perform the ceremony themselves.

Prince William is proudly wearing his medals to remember Normandy Landing in Portsmouth.

He is wearing the Garter Star Chest Order round his neck and has the Gold, Diamond and Platinum Jubilee Medals as well as the King's Coronation medal pinned to his jacket.

Between midnight and 2am, paratroopers landed behind enemy lines. Despite taking hours to regroup with broken equipment, they managed to seize bridges over the Caen Canal and the River Orne.

At 3.40am, RAF heavy bombers attacked targets along the landing area. At 5.30am, allied warships bombarded German gun batteries.

The first troops landed on the beaches between 6.30am and 7.50am, with US soldiers landing first followed by the British and the Canadians.

They worked for hours until midnight to gain foothold and push back the German line.

The Prince of Wales has touched down in Portsmouth to take part in the first of a number of events in the UK and France to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

Prince William will soon be joined by King Charles and Queen Camilla at Southsea Common where they will meet and speak to veterans who took part in the historic landings.

The heir to the throne is set to attend various events in Normandy this week, including a service hosted by Canada at Juno Beach and an international ceremony hosted by France at Omaha Beach which more than 25 heads of state will attend.

The atmosphere and sense of anticipation is really building here. Everyone has been told to take their seats with the ceremony starting soon.

There are hundreds of school children fluttering union Jacks - really adding to the sense that this event is about preserving the memory of the D-Day veterans and the astonishing sacrifice they made.

Audience members would be wise to put on their suncream and their hats as the sun really is beating down here in Portsmouth.

The Prime Minister has arrived and was met with a chorus of cheers from some of the schoolchildren in attendance. Smiling he waved back.

Admiral Sir Tony Radakin Chief of the Defence Staff, the professional head of the British Armed Forces, told the Express: "It's really important because this is a generation that created the peace and security and stability that we enjoy in Europe today.

"That was created by nations coming together to face down a threat. We won the Second World War and then it created institutions that made that a structure of nations working together.

"And we celebrate in a couple of months time NATO's 75th anniversary. That is world largest and most powerful military alliance. It's now 32 nations and that's how we keep the UK safe.

"So this is a generation that created the peace. Nations continue to come together to maintain our peace and security and we need to keep reminding ourselves that freedom, peace, stability, security, prosperity are all enabled by these incredible militaries that just ensure bad things don't happen.

"We need to make sure that we're not complacent and that's why telling these stories of sacrifice, acknowledging the commitment, acknowledging that nations need to come together because there are threats out there and you need to keep nurturing your security and stability if you want to enjoy your peace."

It doesn't stand for what you think, says the British Legion.

The term D-Day is used by the Armed Forces to refer to the beginning of any operation. The ‘D’ stands for ‘Day’, meaning it’s actually short for ‘Day-Day’ (which is nowhere near as catchy).

Before the Normandy landings in June 1944 there would have been many D-Days, however it was so iconic that it came to be used solely when referring to the beginning of Operation Overlord. 

Daily Express's Max Parry is in Portsmouth today, reporting live on the D-Day 80th anniversary celebrations.

He has spoken to Army Chief of the General Staff General Sir Patrick Sanders and Admiral Sir Tony Radakin  Chief of the Defence Staff, the professional head of the British Armed Forces.

Max says there is a "really fantastic atmosphere" at the event.

Joe Biden arrived in France this morning to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

The US president will spend five days in the country and attend official events in Normandy.

During his visit he's set to deliver a major speech and meet veterans.

He will also hold a formal state visit with French President Emmanuel Macron and sit down for talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy about the Ukraine war.

General Sir Patrick Sanders, Chief of the General Staff in the British Army, told the Express: "The first thing is for the younger generation this is ancient history

"None of them really think about the Second World War. But of course it's living memory - we have veterans who took part still alive today.

"I was at the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Monte Cassino just a few weeks ago because of course the fall of Rome was the day before D-Day."

The beaches where the allied forces landed on D-Day are dotted across the Normandy coast.

D-Day veteran Jack Mortimer has said that he is finding the visit to Normandy "very emotional".

When asked how he felt being called a hero, the 100-year-old from Leeds, who fought on Sword beach, said the real heroes were the fallen.

"I'm not a hero," He said. "Never been a hero, never wanted to be a hero. 130,000 went there - I was just a 1/130,000th part of that.

"It's all very nice to take photographs but the main reason we are going is to remember the fallen. Those are the heroes of Normandy."

His words echo those of Harry Billinge, a fellow veteran who died in 2022. Mr Billlinge asked not to be called a hero, saying he "was lucky" to have survived the landings.

The Red Arrows fly-past is set to take place today. The jets will leave RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire at around 9.10am, according to Military Airshows. They will pass over Northampton and Swindon before arriving in Bournemouth at 9.45am.

See the flight path in 8.25am update

The Normandy landings, commonly called D-Day, were the landing and airbourne operations on June 6 1944, when the Allied forced invaded France's beaches.

Still the largest seabourne invasion in history with 5,000 vessels used, D-Day marked the beginning of the liberation of France and western Europe.

In the early hours of the landings, 24,000 paratroopers and glider-borne troops landed behind German lines in France to provide tactical support.

Massive naval and aerial bombardments attempted to supress the German defences and weaponry. Then a ground force of more than 130,000 troops came ashore on five beaches across a 50-mile stretch of Normandy coast, with the first waves often facing intact defences.

It was a decisive success for the Allies, pushing the German forces eastward and paving the way for the liberation of much of north west Europe.

From the coastline of Portsmouth, BBC coverage will tell the story of the build-up and preparations for D-Day. Hosted by Dame Helen Mirren, the specially curated programme will feature powerful spoken word testimony, live music and performance.

It will reveal how the Allies came together to launch the largest ever naval, air and land operation, changing the course of World War II. Breathtaking in scale and overwhelming in complexity, it led to the liberation of Europe and the eventual fall of Hitler’s Nazi regime.

This national commemoration will pay tribute to the extraordinary bravery and achievements of our D-Day veterans, honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice, and recognise the invaluable work of those on the home front who helped make the Normandy landings possible.

Hearing from the men and women who took part in the campaign, we will reflect on the great challenges that had to be overcome and how a commitment to serving their country, and those they fought alongside, sustained our veterans through battle.

The Allies Prepare will be live on BBC One from 10.15am.

Veterans of the Normandy landings gathered in London, before going to Portsmouth and Normandy to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

Plans for a parachute drop over Normandy to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day tomorrow have been scaled back.

Cutbacks have left the MoD without enough planes, meaning plans for four planes to take part have been slashed to just one, according to the Mail.

The decision was blamed on 'shameful, short-sighted cost cutting' by a senior source in the regiment. They added that the lack of aircraft was 'an insult to those who made the ultimate sacrifice'. 

A Parachute Regiment source, said: "While we don't put on a big show every year, the 80th anniversary is being seen as special as it's probably the last milestone for surviving veterans."

He said that the regiment wanted four of the RAF's A400M to be provided to allow about 450 paratroopers to take part. But to the Paras' anger, only one aircraft – which can accommodate 116 Paras – was made available. 

A group of 31 British veterans landed in France last night, almost 80 years since they invaded the German-occupied coastline on June 6 1944.

The group, now in their late 90s or more than 100, disembarked the Mont St Michel, shaking hands and chatting with charity workers.

Over the next two days they will join veterans from Canada and the US at events attended by King Charles, Queen Camilla and Prince William, Joe Biden, Rishi Sunak and Emmanuel Macron.

Portsmouth played a key role in the planning of the D-Day landings.

As early as August 1943 – 10 months ahead of the invasion – restrictions were put in place on the movement of people in the city, the historic home of the Royal Navy.

Troops were sealed into their camps from May 26 as final briefings were being made.

The men embarked from South Parade Pier on Southsea beach, Portsmouth dockyard, Gosport and Stokes Bay.

The Red Arrows flight path for the Portsmouth D-Day event has been mapped by Military Airshows. The flyover will take place at about 12.30pm.

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