The King has paid tribute to the “courage, resilience and solidarity” of veterans as part of commemorations for the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
Charles joined the Prince of Wales, leading UK politicians and veterans at a major event in Portsmouth on Wednesday.
He told the crowd: “The stories of courage, resilience and solidarity we have heard today and throughout our lives cannot fail to move us, to inspire us and to remind us of what we owe to that great wartime generation.
“It is our privilege to hear that testimony, but our role is not purely passive.
“It is our duty to ensure that we and future generations do not forget their service and their sacrifice in replacing tyranny with freedom.”
Charles faced breezy conditions on stage as he spoke, with his speech notes blowing around in his hand.
In his programme notes for the event, the King spoke of his “profound admiration and respect” for those who took part in D-Day, adding: “It remains our solemn duty to continue to honour the outstanding gallantry, service and sacrifice of those who took part in that perilous mission.”
At the Portsmouth commemorations, William read an extract from the diary of Captain Alastair Bannerman of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment, a soldier who was part of D-Day, addressed to his wife on the morning of the landings.
He told the flag-waving crowd he was “deeply honoured” to be part of proceedings on Southsea Common and said “we will always remember those who served”.
William wore medals during his address, including the Great Master of The Most Honourable Order of the Bath around his neck, Golden, Diamond and Platinum Jubilee medals and a coronation medal.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also wrote a piece for the programme, in which he said “we must never forget how much we owe” those who took part in D-Day.
Dame Helen Mirren formally introduced the event at around 11am, where she praised the bravery of the veterans in attendance.
Children waved miniature Union flags as actor Phil Dunster came on stage in 1940s military garb to read a letter written by Major Rodney Maude of the Royal Engineers written 48 hours before D-Day.
Some veterans will attend two days of remembrance events in Portsmouth to mark the historic milestone.
The Normandy landings were the largest seaborne invasion in history, with the 1944 battle laying the foundation for an Allied victory.
Troops from the UK, the US, Canada and France attacked German forces on the beaches at Normandy in northern France on June 6 1944.
Allied troops departed from Portsmouth on June 5, so the UK and French governments will host memorial events at both ports to commemorate the D-Day landings.
