Prince William paid tribute to the remarkable bravery of D-Day soldiers during a Canadian commemorative ceremony held this morning.
The Prince of Wales was warmly welcomed at the Juno Beach Centre in Courciules-sur-Mer by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, who greeted him with a handshake before taking their seats.
Adorned with five medals, William rose to deliver a speech expressing his deep honor to be present at the event commemorating the courage and sacrifices made by the Canadian troops.
Reflecting on the solemnity of the moment, William remarked that standing in peaceful silence today made it nearly impossible to fathom the immense courage required to charge into the chaos of battle on that historic day.
He emphasized that the D-Day assault stood as the most ambitious military undertaking in history, ultimately leading to the liberation of Europe despite the heavy toll it exacted.
The Prince acknowledged the heroism and determination exhibited by the veterans, underscoring how their actions played a pivotal role in defeating fascism.
In a poignant conclusion to his address, Prince William highlighted the enduring bond between Canada and the UK, emphasizing their shared history and commitment to standing together, both then and now, 80 years later.
He emphasized the importance of preserving the memory of those who fought for freedom, expressing gratitude for their sacrifices and the legacy of liberty they secured.
Concluding his speech, William reiterated his appreciation in French, stating, “Merci pour notre liberté, et merci pour votre service.”
As Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps, the combat aviation branch of the British Army, Prince William sported his distinctive Army Air Corps tie, a red poppy, along with his three Jubilee Medals, Coronation Medal, and the Great Master of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath Neck Order.
During the ceremony, he received a Royal Salute from a Guard of Honour comprised of troops from the Canadian Armed Forces, symbolizing the respect and admiration for his role.
Following the formalities, Prince William proceeded to inspect the servicemen, extending invitations to Prime Minister Trudeau and the French Prime Minister to join him in honoring the occasion.
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