King Charles 'Delighted' Prince William Represented Britain In His Most High-Profile Role On The World Stage
King Charles was a proud dad to Prince William after the latter represented Britain on the D-Day anniversary on Thursday.
The Prince of Wales stepped up for his "most high-profile role on the international stage" when he joined seven presidents, three kings and numerous prime ministers at the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings on Omaha Beach in France, according to Rebecca English, Daily Mail's royal editor.
Per English, the circumstances were not ideal for King Charles, who was diagnosed with cancer and was advised to skip the big event, so Prince William stepped up and deputized his dad. Although the British monarch missed the event, he was happy that his son represented him and the nation.
Prince William, representing The King, joined world leaders and veterans from around the world in marking the 80th D-Day anniversary.
— 𓆩Mrs.W𓆪 (@Katrnish) June 7, 2024
A little compilation of some of the pics of him carrying out his duty yesterday made me realize they were not wrong in calling him A Statesman! pic.twitter.com/Jjha1cJEHl
"But a proud King Charles was, I am told, 'delighted that the Prince of Wales attended to represent the nation,'" English wrote.
"He has a strong sense of wanting to support his father, both at home and overseas," an aide said of the heir apparent, the royal correspondent added.
Prince William has been a regular participant in D-Day but has never been the focus. In his recent attendance, Kate Middleton's husband was seen shaking hands with U.S. President Joe Biden. He was also seen warmly interacting with President Emmanuel Macron of France, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine, and King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands.
Prince William was welcomed by President Macron and his wife Brigitte before he walked down the red carpet and took his Perspex VIP seat at the side of the central stage for the public ceremony.
Earlier in the day, Prince William attended an engagement on Juno Beach, where he was the VIP guest at the official Canadian commemorations. The event was more relaxed and hands-on, per English.
Prince William was seen alongside Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Prime Minister Gabriel Attal of France at the event. The British royal laid a wreath on the sands and met one of Canada's most decorated veterans, Honorary Lieutenant General Richard Rohmer, a centenarian who served with the Royal Canadian Air Force.
Prince William also delivered a speech at the event. In his remarks, the future king expressed how honored he was to witness the gathering.
"I am honored to join you to commemorate the bravery and sacrifice of the Canadian troops, who gave so much 80 years ago," he said.
"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."
Prince William also thanked the veterans for their "extraordinary acts of bravery and sacrifice on Juno Beach and the liberation of Europe."
Prince William concluded his speech with a flawless French, saying, "Merci pour notre liberte, et merci pour votre service," which, in English, translates to: "Thank you for our freedom, and thank you for your service."
King Charles and Queen Camilla were seen with President Macron and Brigitte on the same day at the British Normandy Memorial to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day in Ver-Sur-Mer, France.
At the event, many noticed the awkward interaction between the two women when they laid wreaths. Brigitte reached out to Camilla to hold hands, but the latter did not reciprocate the gesture and kept her arm at her side.
