Leaders from around the world, including royalty, veterans, and political figures, are set to gather in Normandy to mark the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings. The British Normandy Memorial in Ver-sur-Mer will host the UK’s national commemoration event, paying tribute to the 22,442 service personnel who died under British command during D-Day and the Battle of Normandy in 1944.
French President Emmanuel Macron will be in attendance along with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, and other heads of state. Prince William is scheduled to attend the Canadian commemorative event at Juno Beach Centre before joining the official international ceremony at Omaha Beach. A piper will kick off the day’s events at Arromanches beach, marking the moment of the historic seaborne invasion.
The Bayeux War Cemetery, the largest Commonwealth cemetery in France from World War II, will host a service led by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Following the commemorations, Prince Charles and Camilla will inaugurate the Winston Churchill Centre for Education and Learning at the memorial site. In the UK, a flotilla of boats will depart from Falmouth to honor the troops who participated in the invasion.
Members of the royal family, including the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, will join veterans at The National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire for a remembrance service. The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester will meet veterans at the Royal Albert Hall in London. The commitment to these commemorations has led to a pause in the general election campaign, as political figures prioritize paying homage to the sacrifices made by Allied troops.
US President Joe Biden, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Canada’s Justin Trudeau, and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz are among the international guests expected to attend the events in Normandy. The presence of these world leaders underscores the significance of D-Day as a pivotal moment in defeating the Nazis.
The Prince of Wales and other members of the royal family have engaged with veterans and paid tribute to their courage and resilience. Emotional moments, such as the Queen being pictured in tears during a veteran’s recollection of the horrors of D-Day, highlight the gravity of the sacrifices made during the historic invasion.
In addition to the official commemorations, tributes have extended to the historic drop zones where allied defense personnel parachuted in 80 years ago. Princess Anne unveiled a statue honoring Canadian forces, emphasizing their loyalty, bravery, and duty. Candle-lit vigils, services of thanksgiving, and traditions such as the champagne toast at Pegasus Bridge keep the memory of D-Day alive and ensure that the sacrifices of those involved are never forgotten.