D-Day 80: King Charles III praises courage of Normandy soldiers at Portsmouth ceremony - we will never forget

Portsmouth took centre stage this morning as the focal point of a grand ceremony to remember those who took part in the Normandy Landings. On June 6, 1944, Allied forces carried out a naval invasion in what was the one of the defining moments that turned the tide of the Second World War.

The summer sunshine shone brightly over the stage, with service personnel, the Royal Marines band and veterans getting into positions ahead of the service. As wartime tunes greeted visitors, schoolchildren were seen waving their Union Flags alongside guests taking pictures to mark the momentous occasion.

Two Dakota aircraft flew across the sky as the noise quietened down and the ceremony began. Dame Helen Mirren hosted the proceedings and Wish Me Luck (As You Wave Me Goodbye) - a song by Vera Lynn - started the ceremony. The mood among the audience was sombre but full of pride, with guests listening with intent to the stories of those who took part in Operation Overlord.

Musical performances showcased the roles played by so many different people, from volunteers of the Women’s Land Army, factory volunteers, the French Resistance forces, American soldiers who arrived in Britain for the operation and the UK citizens who volunteered underage to play their part in the conflict.

One D-Day veteran Roy Hayward, who was 19 when he landed on the Normandy beaches as a reserve tank soldier, recounted the moment he was left as a double amputee. “I was called into a tank, it was hit and I was so badly damaged they had to amputate both legs below the knee,” he said.

“I was one of the lucky ones who survived, as so many didn’t. I represent the men and women who put their lives on hold to fight for democracy and this country.” King Charles III took the stage with Queen Camilla to give a reading from one of the soldiers, with Prince William speaking of a similar account beforehand.

He said: “Many of these men had never faced conflict before. In these diaries, we see the strength of these people.” The emotional accounts were matched with the musical performances. EastEnders star and Portsmouth’s own Emma Barton, American actress Marisha Wallace and Helen George - best known for her role in Call The Midwife - all gave heartfelt renditions of wartime songs, alongside music from the Royal Marines Band.

Prime minister Rishi Sunak was among the other well-known figures to recite one of the readings. Emotions were running high as the show progressed, with one actor Jonny Weldon shedding a tear as he read a letter from Captain Jack Lee to his wife Olive and two children before he died on June 7, 1944. King Charles himself was equally as sentimental.

He said: “The stories, courage, resilience and solidarity which we have heard today and throughout our lives cannot fail to move us, to inspire us and to remind us of what we know to that great wartime generation, now tragically dwindling to so few.

“It is our privilege to hear their testimony, but our role is not truly passive. it is our duty to ensure we and future generations do not forget their service and sacrifice in replacing tyranny with freedom.” The final account was read by Eric Bateman, who stood on stage alongside his family. He remembered ships being seen as far as the eye could see across the English Channel.

He added: “I’m lucky to be here with my grandchildren. Many of my friends never made it. I am here today to make sure they will always be remembered.” The Type 23 frigate HMS St Albans carried out a gun salute to conclude proceedings. The National Anthem was recited in unison, followed by a minutes silence before the Red Arrows took the skies for a glorious flypast.

The magical performances, confetti and bright lights didn’t distract from why everyone was in attendance. To remember those who served at a time when their country and loved ones needed them, sometimes with tragic consequences. We will never forget them.