European royals form unofficial welcoming committee for veterans at D-Day 80th anniversary commemoration
Members of various European royal families have attended an international D-Day 80th anniversary commemoration event in Normandy, France.
King Frederik, Prince Albert, Prince William, Crown Prince Haakon, King and Queen of The Netherlands and Belgium's King and Queen were among those gathered at Omaha Beach.
They arrived one by one to be greeted by French president Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron.
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(L-R) Prince Albert of Monaco, Poland's President Andrzej Duda, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, first lady Jill Biden, US President Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron, Prince William, Governor-General of Australia David Hurley, his wife Linda Hurley and Luxembourg Grand Duke Henri attend an international ceremony to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day at Omaha Beach in Normandy, France. AP
King Frederik was among the first to arrive and was greeted by the French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron. Christophe Petit Tesson, Pool via AP
After stopping for a short chat and a photo-op, they individually walked the red carpet and made their way inside the temporary structure at Saint Laurent sur mer, mingling as more dignitaries continued to join.
A number of D-Day veterans then arrived at the ceremony.
Most were in wheelchairs and as they went past the front row of royals, presidents and prime ministers, many of the dignitaries stopped the veterans to shake their hand and thank them for their service.
Norway's Crown Prince Haakon was among the heads of state at the international ceremony at Omaha Beach. Christophe Petit Tesson, Pool via AP
Prince William represented the British royals at the event and walked the red carpet to enter the structure. Jordan Pettitt - Pool/Getty Images
One soldier appeared shocked as Prince William stepped forward to shake his hand, recognising his face in a sweet moment.
A Canadian soldier who was delighted to chat with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau didn't quite recognise Prince Albert when the royal stepped in towards the end of their conversation.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy - who arrived to massive cheers and a standing ovation - was among the dignitaries shaking veterans' hands.
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Prince William was seen chatting with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (centre left) after making his way inside, with the duo having only just been together at a service honouring Canadian troops. Jordan Pettitt - Pool/Getty Images
One particular veteran was overwhelmed to meet Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, pulling him in for a big hug and asking for a photo. AP Photo/Virginia Mayo
Ukrainian First Lady Olena Zelenska, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, King Willem-Alexander of The Netherlands and Queen Maxima of The Netherlands all shared a laugh together during the event. Patrick van Katwijk/Getty Images
One particular man was overwhelmed to meet Zelenskyy, pulling him in for a big hug and asking for a photo.
Representing Australia, Governor-General David Hurley and his wife Linda Hurley took their place beside Prince William.
Luxembourg's Grand Duke Henri was almost among the dozen of dignitaries at the event.
US President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden were the last of the dignitaries to arrive at the ceremony. Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire
Jill Biden appeared particularly excited to see Queen Maxima of the Netherlands as the pair greeted each other warmly before the US first lady was hurried along. Patrick van Katwijk/Getty Images
US President Joe Biden and his wife Jill were the last to arrive.
They shook hands with all the royals and dignitaries as they made their way to their seats alongside Macron and the French first lady.
Jill Biden appeared particularly excited to see Queen Maxima of the Netherlands as the pair greeted each other warmly before the US first lady was hurried along.
While Queen Maxima and her Belgium counterpart, Queen Mathilde, were in attendance, notably absent from proceedings were other royal wives.
Queen Mary, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, Princess Charlene and of course the Princess of Wales all missed the ceremony.
King Charles and Queen Camilla were also not in attendance at the international commemoration event, on doctor's orders as the King continues his cancer treatment.
They did however attend a ceremony in the morning at the British Normandy Memorial with the French president and first lady, to remember the 22,000 British lives lost in the battle of Normandy.
Belgium's King Philippe (right) and wife Queen Mathilde (centre) were a part of the international ceremony. AP Photo/Viginia Mayo, Pool
King Charles and Queen Camilla were also not in attendance at the international commemoration event but attended a ceremony in the morning at the British Normandy Memorial. Eddie Mulholland - Pool/Getty Images
Earlier in the day Prince William also attended the Canadian service at the Juno Beach Centre in Courseulles-sur-Mer, remembering the 14,000 troops from the Commonwealth country who lost their lives that day.
June 6 marks the 80th anniversary of the day Allied forces landed on the shores of Normandy, France in 1944.
The battle was a pivotal moment in WWII and eventually led to the victory of the Allied forces.
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