The future King showed off a new look in Portsmouth
The Prince of Wales marked the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Portsmouth, sporting a new military medal during the poignant event.
William, who joined King Charles and Queen Camilla at the commemorations, debuted the neck order of the Great Master of The Most Honourable Order of the Bath, as well as four medals on his suit: the Golden Jubilee, the Diamond Jubilee, the Platinum Jubilee, and the Coronation medals.
William’s honour
King Charles appointed his eldest son William the Great Master of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath in April. It was established by King George I in 1725, although it is believed to originally date back as far as the eighth century.
The order is awarded to members of the military or civil service for exemplary service; William completed seven-and-a-half years of full-time military service, serving with the Blues and Royals and also joining the RAF Search and Rescue Force.
Charles was a previous Great Master from 1974 to 2022.
D-Day speech
During Wednesday’s ceremony, William delivered a reading in front of locals, veterans, and other notable guests including Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty.
William said: “Our guests of honour today are those veterans from the Normandy landing, that came from across our nation and from all walks of life to join in the fight against tyranny. Many of those that took up arms had never seen combat before, some were still only in their teens.”
He concluded: “We will always remember those who served and those who waved them off. The mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, sons and daughters who watched their loved ones go into battle, unsure if they would ever return.
“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.”
