Prince William has spoken about his wife’s absence at D-Day commemorations, saying she would “love” to have joined the Prince of Wales at the solemn occasion.
William, 41, attended the event solo in Portsmouth, a port city on the south coast of England, joining King Charles and Queen Camilla for the 80th anniversary of the operation.
In footage shared on X, the royal is shown greeting Charles and Camilla, delivering a speech and chatting to veterans.
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During these conversations, William appeared to say “she is” when asked if his wife was “getting any better”, according to the Telegraph UK.
The prince appeared to respond further: “She’d love to be here today.”
He also reportedly spoke with veterans about how the Princess of Wales’ grandmother worked at Bletchley Park during World War II and was one of a group of women who “never spoke about anything until the very end”.
“It was all very secret,” he said.
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Alongside the video shared on the Prince and Princess of Wales’ X account were the words: “An honour to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day this week, starting today in Portsmouth.
Royals attend D-Day 80th anniversary commemorations
“For the incredible bravery of the Allied veterans we say thank you – we owe our freedom to heroes like you.”
And with a clip of his speech: “Today we remember the bravery of those who crossed this sea to liberate Europe.
“Those who ensured that Operation Overlord was a success. And those who waited for their safe return.”
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Keen royal watchers noticed that William paid tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II – or “granny” as he called her – among the series of medals pinned to his chest.
Prince William took to the stage during the commemorative event in Southsea Common, the port city from which Allied Forces departed for Normandy, France back in 1944.
He told the crowd he was “deeply honoured” to take part in the commemorations and help “recognise the bravery” of those “that came from across our nation and from all walks of life to join in the fight against tyranny”.
The Princess of Wales has been absent from public duties since January following planned abdominal surgery and then cancer treatment following the discovery of the disease.
There has been speculation she may make a surprise appearance at Trooping the Colour on June 15, however this appears to be unlikely.
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