A new portrait of King Charles has been released to mark Armed Forces Day, as Queen Camilla gave a rare national statement praising servicemen and women.
“Our armed forces support and strengthen our nation. You are a source of inspiration, reassurance and pride – and I salute you all,” she said in a message filmed in Clarence House’s morning room.
In his new portrait released at the same time as the Queen’s message, the King is wearing his Field Marshal Number 1 ceremonial frock coat with medals, sword and decorations.
The photo was taken in the Grand Corridor at Windsor Castle last November by Hugo Burnand, a favourite photographer of the Royal Family who took the official coronation photographs.
The King and Queen travelled to Normandy on 6 June to mark the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings with world leaders.
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The Queen’s message also reflected her personal association with the Armed Forces, as she described herself as the
In her message, Camilla remembered the “incredible bravery” of the forces that liberated Europe from Hitler’s regime.
“Eight decades later, I know that same spirit and those same qualities remain much in evidence throughout our armed forces, as you undertake your duties in the face of a multitude of challenges and dangers,” she said.
“In so doing, you not only protect these [British] Isles, but also defend liberties way beyond these shores.”
The Queen went on to reference her own upbringing, saying: “I also want to thank your families, who keep the home fires burning whilst you are deployed overseas.
“As the proud daughter of an army officer, I know something of the impact military life has on your loved ones – you too are heroes.”
The royal couple arrive in Normandy to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day. Pic: PA
Clarence House’s morning room, where the video was filmed, features a picture of the Queen’s parents on their wedding day in 1946.
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In the picture, Camilla’s mother, then Rosalind Cubitt, poses with her father Major Bruce Shand outside St Paul’s Church in Knightsbridge, London.
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Major Shand served with the 12th Lancers during the Second World War and was awarded the Military Cross in 1940, during the retreat to Dunkirk.
He was awarded it again in 1942 for his efforts in North Africa, and was later wounded and taken prisoner while fighting in the same region.
He died in June 2006 aged 89.