Author: bang2

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s visit to Nigeria appeared to contradict a path originally being carved out by the Duke of Sussex, according to a royal commentator.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle fought tooth and nail to detach from the Royal Family and now they’re fighting just as hard to be seen as royals, according to commentators.

Prior to moving to the US in 2020, the Sussexes met with members of the Royal Family at Sandringham House to discuss their roles as senior working royals and unsuccessfully tried to negotiate their way into the fold part-time — half in, half out.

Jane Barr wrote about the perceived change of heart in the latest instalment of her From Berkshire to Buckingham newsletter, describing how Harry and Meghan embraced their quiet suburban life in Montecito, California, apple orchard and all, but then returned to “playing royals.”

Ms Barr said: “Ironically, Harry clung to his ‘I am not a royal’ act for about a year, and then the couple did an about face and went back to being as royal as they possibly could be.”

Referring to their three-day trip to Nigeria this past May, she added: “This tour being the latest and greatest of those efforts.”

The trip was meant to promote the Invictus Games with Nigeria considering being a host nation (Image: Getty)

Harry and Meghan are members of the Royal Family and retain their royal titles, though they do not carry out senior duties.

When making visits to foreign countries, Harry and Meghan are traveling as private citizens, and do not represent the monarchy, though commentators say these trips bear the markers of royal ceremony.

Ms Barr continued: “I expected this tour to feel very much like a royal one, but I did not expect it to straight up be a royal tour untethered from any relationship to the monarchy.”

The Kardashian family matriarch Kris Jenner is reportedly looking to join forces with Meghan Markle and Prince Harry in a powerful collaboration with the former Royals

Kris is hoping to join forces with Meghan

Kris Jenner is holding talks to have Meghan Markle appear on The Kardashians according to new reports.

The Kardashian family matriarch is apparently set on getting Meghan and husband Prince Harry to star on the hit Hulu show and has been having behind-the-scenes conversations about how to make it happen. Kris has been keen on the appearance happening since Harry and Meghan moved to the celebrity filled neighbourhood of Montecito, California.

A source has now told Bella Magazine about Kris’ plans to collaborate with the couple in an ultimate power move. They said: “It’s no coincidence that the Kardashians all move in the same circles as Meghan’s new circle. It’s just a slam dunk for the two families to team up, but Kris doesn’t want to push too aggressively, too soon.

Meghan’s mum has hung out with Kris at showbiz events ( 
Image:
Getty Images for This Is About H)

Meghan could become a closer friend of the Kardashians ( 
Image:
Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
“Even if it’s just a cameo, that’s a huge win for Kris, the business side is now in motion and looking very lucrative.” However, the talks are allegedly “still in the early stages” with Kris reportedly keen on “bedding them into her family’s inner circle”.

The source also claimed Kris has been “assured” by Meghan and Harry’s team that there is “no issue in principle” with the couple appearing on an episode of The Kardashians. “Even if it’s just a cameo, that’s a huge win for Kris, the business side is now in motion and looking very lucrative,” they added.

Meghan and Harry have been slowly becoming more immersed in life in Hollywood since they exited their roles in the Royal family. Last month Meghan and Harry and Meghan’s mum Doria Ragland were seen rubbing shoulders with famous faces including Kerry Washington and Kelly Rowland at Beyoncé’s concert.

Kris knows the collaboration would be a powerful move for her and her daughters ( 
Image:
NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images)

The couple were recently seen rubbing shoulders with TV royalty Oprah Winfrey as they attended a star-studded charity event hosted by Kevin Costner. Harry and Meghan even stopped for a selfie with Katy Perry’s parents at the actor’s One805 Live! charity event. Doria meanwhile was seen chatting to Kris and daughter Kim Kardashian at a star studded bash earlier in the summer.

Fans meanwhile continue to speculate over Meghan’s return to social media after an Instagram account popped up earlier this year with the name @meghan and a profile picture of a simple flower. Meghan has also hinted at a return to social media but it is yet to become official. Meanwhile her signing to LA agency WME has created further speculation over her return to a more public lifestyle.

Meghan Markle told going to The Kardashian is a ludicrous deal for her

Meghan Markle told signing up for ‘The Kardashians’ is ‘demeaning’

Meghan Markle’s decision to appear in The Kardashians is branded demeaning by a royal expert.

Former BBC correspondent, Jennie Bond, reveals the Duchess of Sussex would be going a level lower if she turns to reality TV.

She tells Mirror.co.uk: “They seem to have cut all ties with the Royal Family – except for Princess Eugenie – so it seems inevitable that they will now embrace lives as La La land celebs. Personally, I think it would be ludicrous and rather demeaning to appear in the Kardashians. I think they are better than that.

It was earlier reported that Meghan has been approached by Kris Jenner in the upcoming episodes of The Kardashians.

“I cannot imagine why Harry would want to invite the glare of reality TV into his life. Surely his only purpose in courting the publicity he so despises is to shine a light on the causes he cares about? Why invite more?” says Ms Bond.

Meghan Markle was bestowed a new ‘title’ after her recent trip to Nigeria joined by husband Prince Harry and this has left royal fans divided.

Meghan Markle’s statement after receiving a new “title” following her Nigeria tour with Prince Harry has left royal fans divided.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex visited the West African nation last month to champion mental health initiatives for soldiers and empower young people as they celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games.

During her trip, Meghan was bestowed the traditional Yoruba name ‘Adetokunbo’ by Olowo of Owo, the Yoruba King of Owo.

Following this, the duchess released a letter in which she said she will “treasure” the title – which means ‘the crown returns from over the sea’ – adding she regards Nigeria as her “home”.

Meghan said: “Thank you for your warm welcome to Nigeria. I am deeply humbled by your blessing of the traditional Yoruba name, Adetokunbo.

 

Meghan Markle made a statement about her newest ‘title’ and some fans are not impressed (Image: Getty)

“I treasure the name and appreciate your trust in me to carry it with grace and dignity.

“Our visit to Nigeria was important to many reasons, not least because it gave us an opportunity to explore and understand my heritage, which extends to our children.

“We look forward to coming back home one day soon.”

However, Meghan’s words did not sit well with some royal fans, while others fully supported Prince Harry’s wife.

One user wrote on X: “It’s cool that Meghan’s embracing her Nigerian heritage. Representation matters, and it’s nice to see someone in the spotlight acknowledging.”

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle visited Nigeria for three days (Image: Getty)
 

Another one disagreed: “Embracing? Nah. Just attempting to be relevant.”

A third one added: “Good to know she loves Nigeria her made up homeland from whence she did not come. If H is told to exit the USA they can return to Nigeria as promised, where she can bond with her letter writing family of prince & princess’s.(sic)”

Lastly, a fourth one commented: “Those who are confident & humble don’t have to advertise their titles.

“Meghan Markle is pretentious & fake”.

 

Princess Anne is in Normandy to mark the 80th D-Day anniversary (Image: PA)

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.

Upon arriving for the unveiling Anne received a Royal Salute on the Parade Ground before she was invited to inspect the front rank of the Parade.

The Princess gave a speech in English and French while at the unveiling paying tribute to the Regimeny, saying: “How fitting it is on this 80th anniversary of the landing and the commencement of the Battle for Normandy, that this statue has been unveiled in honour of the Regina Rifles who sacrificed so much for the cause of liberty and freedom.

“To the current serving members of the Regiment. I congratulate you on a magnificent parade and for your continued service to the Regiment. May your time here in France inspire you and renew your commitment to the Regiment and the amazing history created by those who have gone before, and who we honour today through this statue.”

This event kicks off a busy afternoon and evening of engagements for Anne, as she honours not only those of the Canadian Regiment but all those who were involved in the military operation.

Later on both she and the Vice Admiral will visit Bayeux War Cemetery to lay a Cross of Sacrifice as a mark of respect, with the Princess also holding the position of President of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

Princess Anne inspects the regiment (Image: PA)

Normandy veterans and representatives from France will stand alongside the Princess at a Royal British Legion Service of Commemoration to be held at the Cemetery.

This evening a service of remembrance will be held at Bayeux Cathedral, as is tradition every year, before the procession moves back to the Cemetery for a vigil.

The procession to the Cemetery will be led by an international group of pipers from France, Germany and the United Kingdom as a show of solidarity.

Princess Anne was welcomed at a reception (Image: PA)

During the procession three torches of commemoration will also be held aloft, representing France, Germany and the Commonwealth each handing over responsibility for the memories and lessons from the war to the next generation.

Once at the Bayeux Cemetery the vigil will begin, with the Princess Royal due to give an address to remember the eve of D-Day before she lays a posy at the Grave of an Unknown Soldier.

King Charles, Queen Camilla and Prince William have been in Portsmouth today for celebrations on this side of the English Channel, before travelling to France tomorrow.

Princess Anne unveiling the statue in Normandy (Image: PA)

Both Charles and William were decked out in their military medals for the occasion, with the King delivering an impressive and emotional speech.

He 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.”

Addressing the crowd, the monarch said: “Today we come together to honour those nearly one hundred and sixty thousand British, Commonwealth and Allied troops who, on 5th June 1944, assembled here and along these shores to embark on the mission which would strike that blow for freedom and be recorded as the greatest amphibious operation in history.

 

“Those who gathered here in Portsmouth would never forget the sight. It was by far the largest military fleet the world has ever known. Yet all knew that both victory and failure were possible, and none could know their fate.”

Princess Lilibet is said to have celebrated her first birthday in the UK, with the Prince and Princess of Wales not joining celebrations for their niece.

Princess Kate didn’t join the Sussexes to celebrate Princess Lilibet’s first birthday (Image: GETTY/Misan Harriman)

Meghan Markle’s friend brutally mocked Kate, Princess of Wales for missing Princess Lilibet’s first birthday.

Lilibet, who is thought to have only visited the UK once, is celebrating her third birthday today, June 4.

However, in celebration of her first birthday two years ago, a friend of Meghan’s previously said that it was “shady” of Kate to miss out on her niece’s special day.

Garcelle Beauvais, a star on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, previously shared her thoughts on Kate’s absence from Lilibet’s birthday.

Speaking to E!, Ms Beauvais said: “What’s going on is, ‘What a coincidence, we’re out of town, I’m washing my hair’. There’s a little shade there.”

The criticism came after both William and Kate missed the celebrations, even though the pair were overseeing concert rehearsals at Cardiff Castle to mark the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee at the time.

The actress, after being asked if they could have been powerless to work against the pre-ordained schedule, hit back: “No. They can’t hold back the flight a couple of hours to meet Lilibet and Archie?”

Lilibet is thought to have travelled to the UK a few days before her first birthday for the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

Harry and Meghan made the decision to bring along their two children – including now-five-year-old son Archie – to join in the celebrations.

 

Princess Lilibet turns three today (Image: NETFLIX/Harry and Meghan)

Although Meghan and Harry were seen at a few celebrations to mark the late Queen’s historic anniversary, Archie and Lilibet didn’t make any public appearances.

To mark their daughter’s birthday, Meghan and Harry are thought to have hosted a small gathering at their former UK base, Frogmore Cottage.

Kate and William’s three children – Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6 – also didn’t appear at their cousin’s party. King Charles and Queen Camilla also did not attend Lilibet’s first birthday celebrations.

Following Lilibet’s birthday, a picture of the adorable tot was publicly released – one that was thought to have been taken at her party in the UK.

 

Princess Lilibet celebrated her first birthday in the UK (Image: NETFLIX/Harry and Meghan)

According to PEOPLE!, Meghan and Harry hosted a party at their Californian mansion over the weekend to mark Lilibet’s third birthday.

The guest list featured a number of family members and some of Lilibet’s little friends.

Marking the young royal’s birthday, none of the royals were seemingly in attendance.

Prince William recently said that Princess Kate is “doing well” as she continues her preventative cancer treatment.

Kate may return to the public eye for Trooping the Colour (Image: Getty)

The Princess of Wales could make a surprise return to public life with an appearance at Trooping the Colour on June 15, an expert has claimed.

Kate has been out of royal action since December as she took time off for major abdominal surgery and then her cancer diagnosis.

She is still undergoing treatment, but royal historian Dr Tessa Dunlop believes Kate may surprise everyone by stepping out on the Buckingham Palace balcony at the event.

The expert told The Mirror: “Whether [Kate] will make a balcony appearance on the big day on June 15 remains the great unknown.

“My hunch is she will give us a wave, but if she doesn’t (entirely her prerogative) questions about Harry and Meghan are bound to surface.

Princess Kate announced her cancer diagnosis in March (Image: Getty)

“These are futile, even in 2022 the Sussexes were out of the picture, glimpsed briefly at a window and not invited on the balcony.”

With Kate and King Charles both recovering from their cancer diagnoses, many fear that there could be a thin cast of royals on the day.

Kensington Palace has confirmed that Kate won’t participate in the final dress rehearsal for the King’s birthday celebrations on June 8, but are yet to give any information on whether she will make the main event a week later.

Dr Dunlop suggested that non-working royals such as Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice could help fill the gaps.

She added: “This year that balcony cast will have even slimmer pickings if the Princess of Wales stays away.

The scenes from 2023’s Trooping the Colour (Image: Getty)

“In which case might it be time to review the role of non-working royals? All those cousins Eugenie, Beatrice, and Zara who have long behaved with hallmark loyalty would surely relish the prospect of standing shoulder to shoulder with their King. After all, isn’t that what families are for?”

In May, Prince William provided an update on Kate’s recovery, saying she is “doing well” while on a visit to St Mary’s Community Hospital in Hugh Town.

William spoke to Tracy Smith, administrator at the hospital.

She said after the meeting: “I asked William about his wife Kate and he said, ‘she’s doing well, thanks,’ and I suggested they might like to come for a visit and bring the children.”

William told her: “The children are very jealous that I am here… Maybe we might come later in the year.”

Prince William spoke about his wife the Princess of Wales while chatting to veterans and their families at a D-Day event in Portsmouth.

Prince William speaks to D-Day veterans (Image: Getty)

Prince William said his wife would have “loved” to have joining him and the King and Queen at an event marking the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

Speaking to war veterans and their families, the Prince of Wales was told by one veteran that it was “carnage” on Juno beach.
The D-Day hero asked William if the Princess of Wales was ‘getting better’ and William replied: “She’d have loved to be here.”

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

One veteran told William he was on Juno beach and described it as ‘carnage’.

The King also spoke with veterans and was introduced to a 99-year-old paratrooper who turns 100 in August, and Charles said: “I’ll have your card ready.”

 

Earlier the Prince of Wales paid tribute to the “bravery of those who crossed this sea to liberate Europe” and the loved ones who waited for their return as he read a haunting extract from the diary of a D-Day soldier at the 80th anniversary commemorations.

Heir to the throne William took centre stage at the national ceremony in Portsmouth marking the historic 1944 Normandy landings, the turning point in the allies’ Second World War victory.

The King also spoke at the event where he praised the “truly collective effort” of those on the Home Front during the Second World War and said Britain today was “eternally” indebted to those who served.

KATE MIDDLETON, Prince William and Prince George joined football fans on Sunday at the final of Euro 2020. The royals’ reaction to the game seemed to give a look into how they handle “disappointment”, an expert claimed.

Kate Middleton and Prince William stood in the crowds at Wembley Stadium on Sunday to watch England play Italy. During the game, body language expert Judi James commented on how the royals handled the event.

Last night saw the final of Euro 2020 take place at Wembley Stadium in London.

After going to penalties, Italy won the game with four goals against England’s three goals.

Kate and Prince William were seen watching the match with their eldest son Prince George.

By taking him to the football, Judi suggested they were helping Prince George understand that “sport can be tough”.

Kate Middleton: The royals were seen at the Euro 2020 final (Image: PA)

Kate Middleton: An expert commented on their body language (Image: BBC)

She told Express.co.uk: “Watching William with little George last night was like watching any other parent having to teach their children the simple fact of life that sport can be tough, especially English football, and that coping with the pain of losing is an important life skill if you’re going to be a fan.”

During an early goal from England, Prince George could be seen celebrating with his parents.

Judi said: “George’s look of uninhibited joy at the early goal was one of the best moments of the match.

“Like fans around the country, he threw his arms up in the air and roared in delight, celebrating with both parents, looking up at his dad first and then hugging his mum by throwing his arms around her neck as she crouched to cuddle him.

 

“Even then though, William must have been alert to the fact that English football is rarely a smooth ride in terms of emotion and after the penalties, it was, sadly, another story.”

As the football match went into penalties, there was disappointment among England fans as Italy won.

Looking at how the Cambridges reacted to the defeat may have given a look into how they handle the disappointment, Judi continued.

She said: “Kate’s hands-covering-her face gesture spoke for all the fans, but it was telling to see how the Cambridge family coped with the disappointment.

Kate Middleton: They attended the game with Prince George (Image: PA)

 

“George did of course look glum but he also stood facing the pitch with his hands on the rail, looking impressively mature and brave given the horrible change of mood.”

Kate and Prince William appeared to use their body language gestures to signal “unity and support”.

The expert added: “Kate moved in close to her husband to signal quiet unity and support, placing one hand on her waist in a gesture of empathy and fear.

“William placed two huge hands of parental support on his son’s shoulders and this was a gesture that we were probably all in need of at that moment, to supply silent strength and comfort.”

Kate Middleton: She is the wife of Prince William (Image: EXPRESS)

Kate, Prince William and Prince George showed “dignity” after the results of the game, Judi suggested.

She concluded: “The Cambridges managed to show body language signals of pure joy when we were winning.

“But they were also role models of dignity when we lost the game.

“George will probably be learning the skill of coping when people tell you ‘It’s only a game’ right now or ‘It wasn’t meant to be’ and hopefully emerging with all that seven-year-old optimism and enthusiasm still intact.”

The royal line of succession – who outranks who?

The line of succession to the British throne dictates the order in which each member of the Royal Family would ascend to the throne.

It is also seen as a ranking of importance with the head of the line, the Queen, taking the place of ruler.

Older children come before younger children. Traditionally boys came before girls, but this law was changed on March 26, 2015 before the birth of Prince William’s first child.

Incredibly, Catholics are still excluded from the line of succession, as are children born outside of wedlock.

The royals, who usually stick to a strict protocol when appearing in public, often arrive at events in ascending order of importance, with the most important royal arriving last.

Prince Charles, 72, is currently first-in-line to the British throne, followed by Prince William, 39, his oldest son.

Then comes Prince William’s children, George, seven, Charlotte, six, and Louis, three, and they are followed by Prince Harry, 36. Prince Harry is succeeded by his son Archie Harrison, born in May 2019.

 

Prince William gave an update on the Princess of Wales’ condition as he revealed his wife ‘would have loved’ to attend a D-Day anniversary event with him today.

The Prince of Wales, 41, joined King Charles and Queen Camilla at the event in Portsmouth this afternoon.

After delivering a moving speech to veterans and leading politicians, William met with members of the public – including war hero who asked after his wife amid her ongoing cancer treatment.

In footage posted on X, the Prince is seen telling him: ‘She is better, thanks. She would’ve loved to be here today.’

The royal went on to reveal how he had been speaking with women who worked at Bletchley Park as codebreakers along with Kate’s grandmother Valerie Middleton.

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Pictured: The Prince of Wales seen giving a speech to over 500 members of the Armed Forces at a D-Day anniversary event in Portsmouth today

The royal continued: ‘I was reminding everyone how her grandmother served at Bletchley so she had quite a bit in common with some of the ladies here.’

Before this, the royal told one of the women: ‘My wife’s grandmother did the same sort of thing as you. Catherine only found out at the end of her life.’

Valerie and her twin sister Mary worked in Hut 16 at Bletchley Park, now engulfed in Milton Keynes, and she was part of the team of crack codebreakers who unlocked the secrets of the German Enigma machine – ultimately helping to win the war for Britain.

The Daily Mail’s Richard Eden reported in 2019 that Valerie ‘never breathed a word’ when the Princess of Wales asked her about her war efforts as a child.

‘She was so sworn to secrecy that she never felt able to tell us,’ Kate told visiting schoolchildren during her tour of the estate near Milton Keynes in 2019.

‘When she was alive, sadly she could never talk about it.’

Valerie was recruited with her twin sister Mary — Kate’s great-aunt — and they monitored diplomatic traffic from secret listening stations.

In this role, they witnessed one of the most extraordinary moments in Bletchley’s history – as the twins were on duty when a message was intercepted that Japan had surrendered.

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Pictured: the Princess of Wales in May 2021. The Princess of Wales’ grandmother Valerie Middleton worked as a codebreaker in WWII

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Valerie Middleton (pictured) was part of the team of crack codebreakers who unlocked the secrets of the German Enigma machine

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Pictured: the Princess of Wales uses German Enigma machine during her visit to Bletchley Park to view a D-Day Exhibition in Milton Keynes in May 2019

This meant they were among the first handful of people — with George VI and Prime Minister Winston Churchill — to learn that World War II was over.

In 2016, Kate paid tribute to her late grandmother – who passed away in 2006 – and said how proud she was of what she achieved.

Writing a forward for The GCHQ Puzzle Book, the Princess said: ‘They rarely talked about their wartime service, but we now know just how important the men and women of Bletchley Park were, as they tackled some of the hardest problems facing the country.

‘In a new century, their successors at GCHQ continue this intellectual tradition. Like their Bletchley predecessors, they have become well known for valuing neurodiversity and understanding the importance of mental well-being.’

In 2019, Kate paid tribute to her grandmother by wearing a special ‘Codebreakers’ poppy brooch during the wreath-laying service at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday.

Earlier this year, the Princess of Wales revealed in an emotional video message that she is receiving treatment for cancer and has taken a step back from public duties.

Kate’s codebreaking family history at Bletchley Park

The Princess of Wales’ grandmother Valerie Glassborow and her twin sister Mary were among the codebreakers stationed at the top secret base at Bletchley Park during the Second World War.

The crack team, which also included famed British mathematician Alan Turing, of researchers and cryptographers was tasked with intercepting and interpreting enemy communication and breaking the German enigma code.

Enigmas, which resembled large typewriters, were used by German air, naval and army forces to safely send messages throughout the Second World War.

It used a complex series of rotors and lights to encrypt messages by swapping letters around via an ever-changing ‘enigma code’. The code was eventually broken in 1941 by mathematicians at Bletchley – a feat that proved a crucial turning point in the war.

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Valerie Glassborow and her twin sister Mary worked in Hut 16 at Bletchley Park. She later married Peter Francis Middleton (pictured on their wedding day) and had four sons, Michael, Richard, Simon and Nicholas. Michael is the father of the Princess of Wales

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Two women work in hut 6 at Bletchley Park, Buckinghamshire, during the Second World War. Cryptographers deciphered top-secret military communiques between Hitler and his armed forces, which ultimately aided the victory of the Allied forces

Then a young, unmarried woman, Valerie Glassborow worked in Hut 16 on the estate, which is no longer standing.

Many of her colleagues were ‘ordinary’ middle-class women like herself, whose work, kept secret for almost half a century, helped change the course of the war.

However very few went on to pursue a career in intelligence. Indeed of the 9,000 people who worked at Bletchley Park during World War II, just 600 women went on to join the fledgling GCHQ or other branches of the secret services.

Among those to leave the service for a life of domesticity was Miss Glassborow, who married Peter Francis Middleton in 1946 in the village of Adel, Yorkshire.

The couple went on to have four sons, Michael, Richard, Simon and Nicholas in quick succession.

Michael, the eldest, is the father of the Princess of Wales and is known to have been close to his mother.

Miss Glassborow died in 2006, without ever speaking publicly of her wartime service.

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A black and white photo offering a look inside one of the huts on the Buckinghamshire estate. Among the roughly 9,000-strong workforce was Valerie Glassborow, the paternal grandmother of the Duchess of Cambridge

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Prince William met with members of the public – including war hero who asked after his wife amid her ongoing cancer treatment

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Pictured: the Prince of Wales seen speaking to a handful of 500 war veterans at the D-Day anniversary event in Portsmouth today

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King Charles and Queen Camilla watched proceedings from the Royal Box in Portsmouth after Charles had delivered his speech

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Camilla looked to an emotional King Charles as they watched the commemorative event in Portsmouth

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King Charles and Queen Camilla appeared emotional as they observed the proceedings from the Royal Box

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Veteran Eric Bateman (centre), talks about the loss of his best friend Fred who he signed up to the war. Pictured on stage with his two great-grand daughters Imogen and Annabel

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Members of the armed forces pictured performing during the UK’s national commemorative event at Southsea Common in Portsmouth

Queen Camilla was overcome with emotion today as a D-Day veteran recounted the horror of losing his best friend on the beaches of Normandy 80 years ago.

Tears welled up in the Queen’s eyes as former Royal Navy serviceman Eric Bateman recalled his experience on Utah beach – while King Charles also appeared visibly moved.

Mr Bateman, who served on the warship HMS Erebus, described how you could ‘walk across the Channel’ because there were so many boats involved in the invasion.

And paying tribute to his fallen comrades, he said: ‘So many men and women, including my dear friend Fred, joined up with me but unfortunately never made it.’

Charles and Camilla joined the Prince of Wales, leading UK politicians and veterans at a major event in Portsmouth, where the King gave his first public speech since being diagnosed with cancer.

He told the crowd: ‘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.’

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King Charles greets D-Day veteran Eric Bateman after the royal had delivered his emotional address in Portsmouth this afternoon

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Dame Helen Mirren was leading proceedings today and is pictured here up on stage at the D-Day anniversary event in Portsmouth

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A specular Red Arrows flypast over Type 23 Frigate HMS St Albans. The anniversary D-Day event was held at Southsea Common

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A French 1st RPIMa Special Forces paratrooper flies a French national flag beneath his red, white and blue parachute canopy, during a ceremony commemorating SAS paratroopers and Free French Forces who died in Brittany during World War II, at La Gree mill SAS (Special Air Service) memorial in Plumelec, western France

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The RAF Red Arrows performed a flypast over Portsmouth for the D-Day 80th anniversary today

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Typhoon FGR4 aircraft, piloted by Flight Lieutenant David ‘Turbo’ Turnbull, performed a flypast over Portsmouth for the D-Day 80th anniversary

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The Royal Air Force Aerobatic display team were joined by the Typhoon display pilot, Flight Lieutenant David ‘Turbo’ Turnbull in his Typhoon FGR4 as the Red Arrows led the flypast over the city for all to see

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The aircraft is painted in a scheme that remembers a Hawker Typhoon of 257 Squadron, FM-G

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The RAF Red Arrows performed a flypast for the D-Day 80th anniversary today for the people of Portsmouth to observe

At the Portsmouth commemorations – hosted by Dame Helen Mirren – William read an extract from the diary of Captain Alastair Bannerman, a soldier who was part of D-Day, addressed to his wife on the morning of the landings.

He told the flag-waving crowd he was ‘deeply honoured’ to be part of proceedings on Southsea Common and said ‘we will always remember those who served’.

Delivering his speech to the crowd, the King said: ‘The stories of courage, resilience and solidarity which you 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, now tragically dwindling to so few.

‘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.’

In his programme notes for the event, the King spoke of his ‘profound admiration and respect’ for those who took part in D-Day, adding: ‘It remains our solemn duty to continue to honour the outstanding gallantry, service and sacrifice of those who took part in that perilous mission.’

D-Day veterans, armed forces personnel and local schoolchildren were among the guests at the star-studded event held on Southsea Common in Portsmouth.

The Hampshire port city was a major staging post for the key Second World War battle, having been the base for the vessels and troops heading to Sword Beach, and nearby Southwick was the headquarters for Supreme Allied Commander General Dwight Eisenhower, who led the Operation Overlord planning.

The commemoration, which took place on a specially erected stage, was kicked off with a flypast by Dakota aircraft before host Dame Helen Mirren took to the stage to narrate a history of how D-Day unfolded and affected those who took part.

The event featured veterans reading dramatic accounts from the invasion as well as wartime songs performed by EastEnders star Emma Barton, American actress Marisha Wallace and Call The Midwife’s Helen George.

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King Charles and Queen Camilla pictured on stage at the commemorative event on Southsea Common in Portsmouth this afternoon

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The Prince of Wales pictured shaking hands with D-Day veteran Mr Eric Bateman after the former soldier had delivered his poignant speech

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The Prince of Wales greeted Rishi Sunak at he UK’s national commemorative event for the 80th anniversary of D-Day

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The Prince of Wales also greeted Rishi’s wife – Akshata Murty, 44

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Rishi, 44, appeared animated as he chatted with the royal father-of-three

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Rishi looked dapper in a crisp black suit and blue tie for the occasion in Portsmouth today

What role did his ship HMS Erebus play in the Normandy landings?

D-Day veteran Eric Bateman served on board HMS Erebus, a Royal Navy warship.

Launched in 1915, HMS Erebus entered active service a year later.

One of its first major missions was a bombardment of Belgian ports where enemy warships were based, which led to the ship being seriously damaged.

It was later refitted and entered active service again following the outbreak of the Second World War.

During the Normandy landings of June 6, 1944 it accompanied American troops as they landed on Sword Beach – bombarding the German batteries of Barfleur and La Pernelle.

In the summer of 1944 it made its way to Le Havre to support invading Allied forces, before performing another tour of duty in Holland.

HMS Erebus was retired after the end of WWII and scrapped in July 1946.

The King and Queen took to the stage for Charles to give a reading followed later in proceedings by Rishi Sunak.

Readings were also given by Jonny Weldon from The Outlaws and Kate Phillips from Peaky Blinders as well as Iain Glen from Game Of Thrones, Leonie Elliott, also from Call The Midwife, Anjli Mohindra from Bodyguard and Julian Ovenden from Downton Abbey.

The show concluded with a gun salute from the frigate HMS St Albans, which sailed past in the Solent, and a rendition of the national anthem before a flypast by the Red Arrows and Typhoon jets.

Mr Sunak read an address by Field Marshal Montgomery, which was delivered to the troops ahead of the D-Day landings.

The Prime Minister read out the short address which began: ‘The time has come to deal the enemy a terrific blow in Western Europe. The blow will be struck by the combined sea, land and air forces of the Allies together constituting one great allied team, under the supreme command of General Eisenhower.’

It continued: ‘To us is given the honour of striking a blow for freedom which will live in history; and in the better days that lie ahead men will speak with pride of our doings. We have a great and a righteous cause.’

Prince William took centre stage at the event by making the opening address, in which he spoke of the families who ‘watched their loved ones go into battle’ as they left for the largest seaborne invasion in history in June 1944.

Addressing the crowd at Southsea Common, William said: ‘We will always remember those who served and those who waved them off.

‘The mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, sons and daughters who watched their loved ones go into battle, unsure if they would ever return.

‘Today we remember the bravery of those who crossed this sea to liberate Europe. Those who ensured that Operation Overlord was a success. And those who waited for their safe return.’

He said those who fought on D-Day ‘came from across our nation and from all walks of life to join in the fight against tyranny’.

‘Many of those that took up arms had never seen combat before, some were still only in their teens,’ he added.

The prince read a moving and poetic letter by Captain Alastair Bannerman of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment, written in his diary at 3am on the morning of D-Day, just hours before the landings, and addressed to his wife.

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Queen Camilla – who had been visibly moved by D-Day veteran Eric Bateman’s speech – pictured greeting him in Portsmouth today

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Members of the public pictured watching as the Red Arrows perform a flypast above HMS St Albans, a Type 23 Frigate, this afternoon

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King Charles pictured smiling as he walks onto the stage alongside Queen Camilla as he prepares to deliver his emotional speech

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King Charles pictured acknowledging a standing ovation from the crowd of more than 500 veterans as he walks onto the stage today

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Earlier, William praised the ‘bravery’ of those who took part in the D-Day landings and read an extract from a letter by Captain Alastair Bannerman of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment

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Royal Navy Veteran Thomas Cuthbert was seen on a huge TV screen during the D-Day national commemoration

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D-Day veteran Roy Hayward (pictured) appeared on stage during the national commemorative event

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Roy Hayward gave a speech during the event, hosted by the Ministry of Defence on Southsea Common in Portsmouth

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Dame Helen Mirren (pictured left) introduced the D-Day veteran, Roy Hayward, onto the stage

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William looked focused as he applauded the performances and speeches at the event today

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Helen Mirren donned a floral dress as she addressed the crowd at today’s event

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Performers took to the stage during the UK’s national commemorative event for the 80th anniversary of D-Day

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A stage was built for the D-Day national commemoration event, which featured the words: ‘We never surrender’

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Prince William shook hands with Britain’s Defence Secretary, Grant Shapps, as he arrived at the commemorative event

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American actress and singer Marisha Wallace entertained guests with a live performance during the event

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King Charles appeared cheerful as he waved to those gathered to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day

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Prime Minister Rishi Sunak spoke during the national commemorative event to mark the 80th anniversary commemorations of Allied amphibious landing

It spoke of the moon shining though heavy clouds and the ‘row of small ships and of darker balloons silhouetted in front and behind us against the grey sea’.

Captain Bannerman thought of his wife and two young sons asleep in their nursery – and photographs of the soldier and his blond-haired children were shown on the screen behind William as he read the words.

”I can imagine how you listen to the news at 9 o’clock and think of me with love. I hope that Andrew’s golden head rests gently and quietly upon his small pillow and that Richard is nice and comfortable lying in his narrow little carry-cot’,’ the prince said.

William continued: ”The whole Channel between us and Cherbourg is filled with little ships which all quietly and efficiently sail towards France.

”The British, Canadian and American fighting forces on the war-path.

”I do not believe that I can now write for very long. We can now see the French coast and very soon we will have to play our part.

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King Charles pictured wearing his military medals for D-Day anniversary event that was held on Southsea Common in Portsmouth

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The King, who was giving his first public speech since being diagnosed with cancer, received a standing ovation from the crowds

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After his speech, King Charles was pictured taking his seat in the Royal Box alongside his eldest son Prince of Wales and Queen Camilla

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The Prince of Wales donned a black suit and white shirt for the occasion to mark the 80th anniversary commemorations of Allied amphibious landing (D-Day Landings) in France in 1944

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The father-of-three looked pensive as he observed the event in Portsmouth this afternoon

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Prime Minister Rishi Sunak – dressed in a black suit – also gave an address at the D-Day anniversary event in Portsmouth this afternoon.

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Dame Helen, 78, beckons to the crowd assembled on Southsea Common in Portsmouth

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The actress praised the assembled veterans for their bravery, saying: ‘The presence today of some of those who contributed to that remarkable venture is an extraordinary privilege’

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A member of the audience watches on during today’s event in Portsmouth. The emotional event was attended by over 500 veterans

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Singer Marisha Wallace performs ‘Sing, Sing, Sing’ during the UK’s national commemorative event to mark 80 years since D-Day

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The performance by Marisha Wallace was witnessed by a large crowd of over 500 veterans and wellwishers in Portsmouth this afternoon

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Leonie Elliott, best known for her role as Lucille Anderson in the BBC series Call the Midwife, is pictured speaking at the event today

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Service personnel pictured watching from the standds during the commemorative event for the 80th anniversary of D-Day in Portsmouth

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A veteran looked on as people gathered to attend a commemorative event for the 80th anniversary of D-Day

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Veterans and members of the armed services gathered this afternoon to commemorate D-Day in Portsmouth

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British Foreign Secretary David Cameron shook hands with a member of the armed forces as he arrived at the event

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Artists are seen performing on stage during the event on Southsea Common in Portsmouth commemorating D-Day this afternoon

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Prime Minister Rishi Sunak meets D-Day veteran Mr Eric Bateman, who delivered a moving address to the crowds of 500 wellwishers

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Earlier, William praised the ‘bravery’ of those who took part in the D-Day landings and read an extract from a letter by Captain Alastair Bannerman of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment

”I must go now and look for the landing markings with my binoculars to ascertain our landing points. So, my darling, on we go! I know that you are with me. Au revoir, God bless, I love you!”

Prince William’s reading at the D-Day event in Portsmouth 

I am deeply honoured to join you today to recognise the bravery of all of those like John Haddock who participated in the D-Day landings, the start of the liberation of France and Europe, that led to victory of the Allied Powers.

Our guests of honour today are those veterans from the Normandy landing, that came from across our nation and from all walks of life to join in the fight against tyranny. Many of those that took up arms had never seen combat before, some were still only in their teens.

In their letters and diaries we see their great strength.

This is an extract from a letter by Captain Alastair Bannerman of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment, addressed to his wife and written in his diary on the morning of D-Day:

It is now 03.00 hours in the morning and I have just been up to the bridge. It is rather light because the moon is shining, though heavy clouds cover her. One can see the row of small ships and of darker balloons silhouetted in front and behind us against the grey sea.

You, my angel, sleep gently in the nursery, I hope. Your thoughts have helped me so much. They have given me real strength. I can imagine how you listen to the news at 9 o’clock and think of me with love. I hope that Andrew’s golden head rests gently and quietly upon his small pillow and that Richard is nice and comfortable lying in his narrow little carry-cot.

A long line of flares hangs over Cherbourg, or I suppose it is Cherbourg, and a few anti-aircraft tracer shots go up in the air above the immediate front line. Funny to imagine that there Germans run around their guns. I would like to know what they are thinking. The whole Channel between us and Cherbourg is filled with little ships which all quietly and efficiently sail towards France. The British, Canadian and American fighting forces on the war-path.

I do not believe that I can now write for very long. We can now see the French coast and very soon we will have to play our part.

I must go now and look for the landing markings with my binoculars to ascertain our landing points. So, my darling, on we go! I know that you are with me. Au revoir, God bless, I love you!

Captain Bannerman survived the landings and the war, being taken prisoner and returning home to his wife and sons in April the next year. Too many never returned. They remain in ‘some corner of a foreign field that is forever England.’

We will always remember those who served and those who waved them off. The mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, sons and daughters who watched their loved ones go into battle, unsure if they would ever return.

Today we remember the bravery of those who crossed this sea to liberate Europe. Those who ensured that Operation Overlord was a success. And those who waited for their safe return.

William shared how Captain Bannerman survived the landings and the war, was taken prisoner, but returned home to his wife and sons in April the next year.

He added, quoting Rupert Brooke’s famous war poem The Soldier: ‘Too many never returned. They remain in ‘some corner of a foreign field that is forever England’.’

The prince said he was ‘deeply honoured’ to join the commemoration to recognise the bravery of those who took part in the landings.

William delivered his speech before the arrival of the King and Queen, with Charles also making his own address.

During the service, he sat between Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Defence Secretary Grant Shapps.

The prince was wearing his Golden Jubilee, Diamond Jubilee, Platinum Jubilee and Coronation medals and his Great Master of The Most Honourable Order of the Bath neck order.

Dame Helen Mirren formerly introduced the event just after 11am by addressing the assembled veterans, saying: ‘The presence today of some of those who contributed to that remarkable venture is an extraordinary privilege.

‘Your bravery remains as inspiring now as it was eight decades ago. Thank you.’

The commemorations in Portsmouth opened with a musical performance and a flypast of two historic Dakota military transport aircraft, widely used by the Allies during the Second World War.

Charles and Queen Camilla will join the Ministry of Defence and Royal British Legion’s commemorative event at the British Normandy Memorial at Ver-sur-Mer tomorrow.

Charles is said to have been determined to mark the landmark anniversary given it will be the last event of its kind that D-Day veterans will be able to witness.

This has been aided by a good recovery that has allowed his public duties to be brought forward by ‘about a month’, a source told The Times.

Meanwhile, William will attend the Canadian ceremony at Juno Beach Centre at Courseulles-sur-Mer hosted by the Canadian government, alongside veterans and Canadian armed forces personnel.

The Prince of Wales will then attend the international commemorative ceremony at Omaha Beach, Saint Laurent sur Mer, later on June 6 alongside 25 heads of state and veterans from around the world.

William took his place in the royal box today alongside military veterans shortly after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer.

Some veterans will attend two days of remembrance events in Portsmouth to mark the historic milestone.

The Normandy landings were the largest seaborne invasion in history, with the 1944 battle laying the foundation for an Allied victory.

Troops from the UK, the USA, Canada, and France attacked German forces on the beaches at Normandy in northern France on June 6, 1944.

Allied troops departed from Portsmouth on June 5, so the UK and French governments will host memorial events at both ports to commemorate the D-Day landings.

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FRANCE: D-Day veteran Henry Rice, 98, sheds a tear at the statue of Field Marshal Montgomery during the Spirit of Normandy Trust service in Coleville-Montgomery, France

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French President Emmanuel Macron (R) speaks with Achille Muller (L), 98, last survivor of the Free French Forces, as they attend a ceremony commemorating SAS paratroopers and Free French Forces who died in Brittany during World War II, at La Gree mill SAS (Special Air Service) memorial in Plumelec, western France

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France’s President Emmanuel Macron (center R) and Achille Muller (center L), 98, last survivor of the Free French Forces, look on as a wreath is layed during a ceremony commemorating SAS paratroopers and Free French Forces who died

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Princess Royal Anne attends a ceremony of unveiling of a statue of a Second World War Canadian Royal Regina Rifleman during a reception with members of the regiment to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day, at Place des Canadiens in Bretteville-l’Orgueilleuse, Normandy

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Members of the royal box pictured as they stand and applaud at the start of this morning’s ceremony on Southsea Common in Portsmouth

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Prince William is seen talking with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at today’s national commemorative event for the 80th anniversary of D-Day

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William, wearing his military medals, pictured alongside Mr Sunak and Ms Murty in Portsmouth at the event commemorating D-Day

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Prince William is seen smiling as he greets former PM David Cameron – who was among the dignitaries in Portsmouth this afternoon

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The Prince of Wales pictured shaking hands with Defence Secretary Grant Shapps at the D-Day anniversary event in Portsmouth

Over the course of two days, the King, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, a slew of other dignitaries, and-most importantly-those who fought on the beaches in 1944 will come together to remember the battle that became the turning point towards an Allied victory.

However, the proceedings have already begun for dozens of other Second World War veterans.

Yesterday, a slew of former D-Day soldiers boarded a ferry to make the journey from Portsmouth to Normandy once again, retracing their steps 80 years ago.

The morning will culminate in a flypast by the Royal Air Force Red Arrows.

The Prime Minister will then deliver a reading to the crowds and meet with veterans to hear their D-Day stories to mark the occasion.

In the afternoon, tributes will move to the beaches of Normandy, where hundreds of allied defence personnel will parachute into a historic D-Day drop zone to commemorate the airborne invasion of 80 years ago.

The Royal British Legion will host a commemoration service at Bayeux War Cemetery before the Ministry of Defence and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission host a joint UK-France thanksgiving service at Bayeux Cathedral.

Tonight, as the sun sets, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s Bayeux War Cemetery will light up in honour of those who fought on the beaches. The light show will be streamed live on the BBC so all can witness the occasion.

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Akshata Murty, wife of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, next to Sir Keir Starmer and Johnny Mercer at today’s D-Day commemorations

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Leader of the Labour Party Sir Keir Starmer is seen posing for a photo at the D-Day commemoration in Portsmouth this afternoon

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David Cameron sips from a can behind Sir Keir Starmer as the nation prepared to commemorate the D-Day landings in Portsmouth

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Johnny Mercer – the minister for Veterans’ Affairs and a local MP – pictured speaking with Former PM David Cameron in Portsmouth

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A veteran looks on as people gather to attend today’s national commemorative event. Over 500 veterans gathered for the event

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A Normandy veteran watches on as he prepares for the commemoration to begin on Southsea Common in Portsmouth this morning

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Members of the military on stage during the UK’s national commemorative event as an emotional video was projected onto the big screen

On Thursday – the 80th anniversary of D-Day – commemorations will begin in Normandy at 7.25am, the same time the beach invasion began in 1944.

A military piper will land on the beaches of Arromanches-les-Bains in a Royal Marines landing craft and begin playing a lament in tribute to those who led the beach landings.

The official British commemoration for the 80th anniversary of D-Day will take place at the British Normandy Memorial at Ver-sur-Mer, where the King will join French President Emmanuel Macron and Mr Sunak.

Charles and Camilla hosted four D-Day veterans at Buckingham Palace yesterday, hearing moving personal stories and seeing their poignant keepsakes.

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Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey chats to a fellow attendee at today’s event in Portsmouth commemorating the 80th anniversary of D-Day

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Defence Secretary Grant Shapps speaks with service personnel at the event this morning before the D-Day event got underway

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Lone bagpiper Richard Cowie, from the Cumbria Freemasons, warms up his pipes ahead of playing at a D-Day commemoration event on Windermere, Lake District

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Mr Richard Cowie will be playing on board one of Windermere Lake Cruises traditional steamers at Bowness-on-Windermere today

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Planes fly overhead the Standing with Giants installation at the Normandy British Memorial, in Ver-Ser-Mer, France, this morning

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The memorial – pictured this morning – features 1,475 silhouettes across the wild meadow fields of the British Normandy Memorial

Football boots carried on the straps of a military backpack, dog tags still bearing blood, and photos of a much cherished wife were among the mementoes shared with Charles and Camilla.

Charles, in turn, read aloud from his grandfather’s handwritten diary, recounting George VI‘s D-Day entry about the breaking news of the ‘successful landings’ in June 1944.

The special meeting was filmed and will be broadcast as part of BBC One’s D-Day 80: Tribute to The Fallen on June 5.