Prince Charles and his wife Camilla arrived in Normandy on Thursday morning to start their D-Day commemorations. The royal couple, who usually remember the day on home ground, made the special visit across the Channel to mark the 70th anniversary of the historic moment. D-Day is credited as leading to the eventual defeat of Nazi Germany in 1944. Charles donned his Field Marshal's tropical service uniform in his capacity as Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps. The Duchess of Cornwall, wore a straight-cut grey coat and white dress underneath.
The Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Charles
The future King and his wife were seen crossing Pegasus Bridge, one of the first points that British troops successfully captured within minutes of landing in gliders on the Normandy beaches. The bridge, also known as the Benouville Bridge, is located in the village of Ranville, which was the first to be liberated during the war. Charles gave his best salute and lay a wreath at the Glider 3 memorial on the bridge. "In ever grateful remembrance of your service and sacrifice, Charles," read the note attached.
The Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Charles
The heir to the throne and Camilla shared an emotional moment when they met with veterans and young soldiers. The group also watched an RAF flypast over the bridge and a parachute jump just outside of Ranville.Charles and Camilla will be joined by other members of the British royal family who will travel to France to honour the day. The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh departed St Pancras International, London late on Thursday morning. Before she boarded the train to set off for Paris' Gare du Nord, Her Majesty unveiled a plaque to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the opening of the Channel Tunnel.
The Queen
Upon arriving in the French capital, the Queen made a quick stop at the British embassy and was then given a ceremonial welcome at the Arc de Triomphe by French President François Hollande. On the D-Day anniversary itself on Friday 6 June, the reigning monarch will lead an international service of commemoration attended by royals, presidents and prime ministers. Prince William and his wife the Duchess of Cambridge, née Kate Middleton, will also be treated to the same welcome at the Arc De Triomphe when they arrive in Paris on Friday, before moving on to meetings at the Elysée Palace.