Prince Harryis paying his respects to veterans.
The 34-year-old royal stepped out solo on Thursday for the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings with a visit to the Royal Hospital Chelsea during their annual Founder’s Day Parade. Six veterans from the Normandy Landings will be taking part.
Each year, a member of the royal family is present for the event commemorating King Charles II’s founding of the home for veterans in 1681.Queen Elizabethhas reviewed the parade four times, and Harry previously met Chelsea Pensioners (as residents are called) in 2011.
Upon his arrival, Harry met with residents and learned more about the home’s programs and activities. The Duke of Sussex, who welcomed son Archie Harrison withMeghan Marklelast month, then reviewed the Chelsea Pensioners, who stood in four companies in the Royal Hospital’s central courtyard for inspection. He also made a speech.
At one point, Harry helped a veteran make a poppy emblem — the commemorative emblem that veterans, supporters, and members of the public wear on remembrance days.
“Not only is today a prominent historical occasion, it is also a special day in the Royal Hospital calendar — bringing together families, old friends and the chance to make new ones,” Harry said in a speech.
He continued later, “Now I stand here before you to not only acknowledge the incredible contribution you have made to this nation but to acknowledge that you, my friends, are also seriously good fun to be around.”
“You will always stand out in your scarlet coats and white gloves, but to me, whether I see you at Westminster Abbey, the Chelsea Flower Show, Twickenham Stadium, or the pub, I notice that you are always smiling,” said the prince.
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Prince Harry.Tim Rooke/Shutterstock
Tim Rooke/Shutterstock
This annual celebration commemorates that escape and as a lasting tribute to the king’s escape, the statue of King Charles II in the Figure Court at Royal Hospital Chelsea is partly shrouded in oak leaves.
Over 300 Army veterans live at the Royal Hospital today, including those who have served in Korea, the Falkland Islands, Cyprus, Northern Ireland and World War II.
Harry’s brotherPrince Williamalsopaid tribute to the men and women who fought in the D-Day landingson Thursday.
On the morning of the milestone anniversary, the royal joined more than 20 veterans of the historic battle at a special commemorative service at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, England.
Prince William.Anthony Devlin - WPA Pool /Getty
And in an interview with the BBC for the D-Day anniversary,Prince Charlessaid: “I always think of people all around this country whose relations took part in D-Day and will be thinking so much about their grandfathers, fathers or great-grandfathers. I’ve been lucky enough to know so many of these veterans over my lifetime.”
When asked whether this 75th anniversary would be particularly poignant, he added: “It’s probably the last chance to pay everlasting respect to these remarkable people who wanted above all to do their duty.”
source: people.com
