After the ceremony, the King and the Prince of Wales chatted to the veterans who took part who watched from the stands.
Prince William told them he found it “very moving” listening to the stories and the letters read out during the event, “even now, 80 years later.”
When a veteran thanked him for attending, William said: “No, we’re here to thank you.”
He chatted to another veteran about the D-Day landings, saying: “it was a whole logistics mission everything about it was enormous; huge.
“We’re where to say a big thank you to you and all your colleagues who didn’t make it back.”
The King asked one veteran how it felt coming back and reliving the stories.
“It’s amazing how you’ve all kept yourselves in such great shape after all these years,” he said.
Chatting to one paratrooper, he said: “At least they dropped you in the right place. Because that’s always the worry.”
The King was told that the paratrooper would turn 100 in August.
“Well I hope we’ll have your card ready,” he replied.
William spoke to an elderly code breaker who worked at Bletchley Park. “My wife’s grandmother did the same sort of thing as you,” he said. “Catherine only found out about it at the end of her life.”
William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
