The Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton and Prince William did their royal duty on Friday, June 6, traveling to France in recognition of D-Day, which marks a pivotal victory of the Allied troops in World War II in 1944.
The British duo arrived in the seaside community of Arromanches-les-Bains in Normandy, where they met with World War II veterans on the 70th anniversary of the Normandy landings. They flew into the local Airport Caen-Carpiquet on Friday afternoon from London.
Upon their arrival in France, the Duke and Duchess were greeted by the Mayor of Arromanches and a naval attache. Their entrance into the country was also recognized by uniformed French and British military members, who lined the walkway they took to an engagement.
At the first French event, Middleton, 32, recycled a powder blue Alexander McQueen coat dress that she’s worn before, with a pair of black heeled pumps. She topped off her look with an eye-catching fascinator, which she was seen wearing last summer, during her pregnancy with Prince George.
During the engagement, Middleton and Prince William mingled with about 50 WWII veterans as they shared tea. “You’ve got lots of stories to tell,” Middleton commented to the former soldiers.
Prince William looked dapper in a navy suit over a white collared shirt with a red-and-navy striped tie. His lapel was adorned with a blue-accented gold medal and a red-accented silver medal.
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Following the tea, the future monarchs stopped by the D-Day Museum, where they took in the exhibits. The Duke and Duchess then watched the commemoration ceremony, where they sang the national anthem with the local veterans.
Laying a wreath to commemorate those who lost their lives in the war, Prince William said in an address, “They gave up everything for our freedom. They lie now together in the beautifully kept cemeteries that lie on the coast… However, today is also about the young. It is vital for them that they remember the sacrifice made by so many… It is vital that this sacrifice, and the reasons for this sacrifice, are never forgotten.”