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Kate Middleton, Prince William Commemorate D-Day With Trip to Arromanches-les-Bains, Visit With WWII Vets: Pictures

Kate Middleton and Prince William
Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, arrive to meet World War II veterans in Arromanches-les-Bains, on June 6, 2014, during an event commemorating the 70th anniversary of the World War II Allied landings in Normandy.

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.

Prince William and Kate Middleton
Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge chat as they attend the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings on June 6, 2014 in Arromanches Les Bains, France. Friday 6th June is the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings which saw 156,000 troops from the allied countries including the United Kingdom and the United States join forces to launch an audacious attack on the beaches of Normandy, these assaults are credited with the eventual defeat of Nazi Germany. A series of events commemorating the 70th anniversary are planned for the week with many heads of state travelling to the famous beaches to pay their respects to those who lost their lives.

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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

Kate Middleton
Britain’s Princess Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, speaks to World War II veterans in Arromanches-les-Bains, on June 6, 2014, during an event commemorating the 70th anniversary of the World War II Allied landings in Normandy.

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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. 

Prince William
Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, speaks to World War II veterans in Arromanches-les-Bains, on June 6, 2014, during an event commemorating the 70th anniversary of the World War II Allied landings in Normandy.

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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.”

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