King Charles III Pays Tribute to D-Day Heroes as New Banknotes Enter Circulation

King Charles III has delivered a moving tribute to the heroes of the D-Day landings while commemorating the 80th anniversary of the historic event. Speaking alongside Queen Camilla and the Prince of Wales at Southsea Common in Portsmouth, the King praised the courage and sacrifice of those who participated in the mission to liberate Normandy from Nazi occupation.

The commemoration event was marked by a sea of red, white, and blue, as spectators waved union jacks in honor of the occasion. Crowds rose to their feet as veterans took the stage to share their stories, including Roy Hayward who vividly recalled his experience landing in Normandy at just 19 years old.

Prince William delivered a poignant reading from the diary of Captain Alastair Bannerman, adding a personal touch to the commemorative event. The King’s speech emphasized the importance of remembering the efforts to end totalitarianism and the need for current generations to uphold the values of freedom.

Among the attendees was 100-year-old D-Day veteran Jim Miller, who received a special birthday card from King Charles III during a recent meeting at Buckingham Palace. The emotional encounter served as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought on the beaches of Normandy.

Meanwhile, in Sunderland City, the new Bank of England banknotes featuring King Charles III’s portrait entered circulation, drawing excitement from collectors and the public. Customers like Mary Denham and Alan eagerly queued up at Post Offices to get their hands on the commemorative currency.

Branch Manager Gillian Carr described the occasion as special, noting the steady flow of people coming in to exchange for the new notes. Collectors and enthusiasts, including Christine Roberts, expressed their intention to hold onto the unique banknotes as a memento of the historic occasion.