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| Sean Coughlan | Royal Correspondent |
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| Welcome to this week’s Royal Watch. It’s been a big week for D-Day commemorations, with the King leading tributes and meeting veterans.
We've also learned he’ll still be hosting the Japanese state visit at the end of this month, despite the election campaign.
We’ve got an update on the runaway horses. The King is literally on the money. And we’ll hear your thoughts on news coverage of the Princess of Wales and her cancer treatment. | |
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D-Day speeches of utmost importance | King Charles has led tributes to those who took part in the D-Day landings in June 1944, in his biggest public appearances since his cancer diagnosis.
“We are eternally in their debt,” he told a commemoration event in Portsmouth on Wednesday, marking 80 years since what the King called the “greatest amphibious operation in history”.
He hailed the Allied efforts to end the Nazi occupation of France and western Europe as a battle "replacing tyranny with freedom".
But his D-Day speech returned a couple of times to the point that rights “bring with them responsibilities to others in the exercise of that liberty”. |
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| Queen Camilla, who stood alongside the King during his speech, was brought to tears during the event in Portsmouth. Credit: Reuters | This was the King’s most important appearance this year, and something he clearly wanted to attend.
His trip to Normandy today, for the second part of the commemorations, also marked his first trip overseas since his health problems were disclosed. |
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| | During his Normandy visit, the King met veterans who he said had not flinched when faced with the "supreme test". Credit: PA | He addressed veterans gathered at the British Normandy Memorial in Ver-sur-Mer, saying: “You risked everything, and we owe you everything.
“We cannot possibly hope to repay that debt, but we can and we must pledge never to forget.” |
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Your Royal Watch | Last week, we asked you how much information you think should be shared about the Princess of Wales’s health, following her cancer diagnosis, and how a balance should be struck with her desire for privacy.
“As a cancer survivor, I know the toll endlessly prying questions can take,” writes Donna in the US state of Alabama. But she also recognises the value of openness, adding: “It would mean much to those afflicted with this awful disease to see someone honestly deal with it.”
“We should mind our own business,” says Kathleen in Oregon.
Phil, in the UK, agrees and says the “importance of confidentiality” should be respected, adding that it’s right to be “fiercely protective of our own private information”.
But Carole, also in the UK, really misses seeing Catherine and would like a “monthly update”.
This week, I've written about how Prince William’s role is changing and asked what he wants to do with it. He already works with projects tackling homelessness, raises awareness of mental health and supports environmental initiatives.
So what do you think he should focus on in the future? Let us know what you think by emailing royalwatch@bbc.co.uk. Please remember to include your name and which country you’re writing from. | |
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Questions remain over Japanese visit | There had been suspicions that the planned Japanese state visit to the UK could be postponed because of the general election. A few years ago, a Spanish state visit was hastily rearranged to avoid overlapping with the political campaigning.
But the emperor and empress of Japan’s trip is going ahead, only a week before the UK goes to the polls on 4 July.
They’ll get a glittering carriage ride up the Mall and a banquet at Buckingham Palace, hosted by the King. |
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How are the horses doing? | We know that Royal Watchers have been very interested in updates on the five horses who were injured after they were spooked and ran away through the streets of central London.
And there’s good news. Three of the injured Household Cavalry horses are well enough to take part in the Trooping the Colour parade marking the King’s birthday later this month.
The other two, Quaker and Vida, are said to be recuperating and expected to make a full recovery. |
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| | Quaker and Vida are enjoying a "summer holiday" in the Chilterns with the Horse Trust, the Army says. Credit: MOD | And in case anyone is tempted to accuse us of being more interested in animals than in people… Of the five injured soldiers, three are back on duty and two are recovering. |
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| The previous owner said he had "treasured" the goat all his life. Credit: Hansons Auctioneers | It was sold at auction for £8,500 by a Canadian whose great aunt had been a cook at Cambridge University, where the then Prince Charles had been a student.
From this week, collectors could have paid with new banknotes featuring King Charles.
These have gone into circulation for the first time. Although with so much spending now cashless, it could be a while before anyone actually sees one in their pocket. |
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A piece of royal history | After the King’s attendance at D-Day commemorations in France, we thought you might like to look back at events from 80 years ago.
In the photograph below, King George VI, Queen Elizabeth and Princess Elizabeth can be seen watching preparations for the Allies’ operation from inside RAF Netheravon, in Wiltshire in the UK. |
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| Credit: Getty Images | King George gave a speech on D-Day in 1944, calling on everyone to pray for success.
He said: “What is demanded from us all is something more than courage and endurance; we need a revival of spirit, a new unconquerable resolve.”
The late Queen Elizabeth referenced her father’s speech in 2019, during commemorative events to celebrate 75 years since the Normandy landings. |
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