Queen Camilla hails the 'unrelenting efforts and selfless loyalty' of Britain's military heroes as King Charles steps aside to let his wife mark Armed Forces Day

The Queen has released a video message to mark Armed Forces Day in a sweet break with tradition.

While historically the sovereign, as head of the British military, has tended to mark the occasion, the King gave permission for his wife to step in as the 'proud daughter' of an army officer.

Camilla, whose father, Major Bruce Shand, was awarded the Military Cross and Bar for acts of exemplary gallantry in the Second World War, said she was 'deeply honoured' to be able to celebrate the service of the men and women in our military.

'Thank you all for everything you do to protect this country of ours. We also remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of stability and peace around the world, ' she continued.

The message was filmed in the morning room at Clarence House with Queen Camilla wearing her Royal Lancers brooch – the regiment in which her father served and of which Her Majesty is Colonel in Chief.

The Queen has released a video message to mark Armed Forces Day in a sweet break with tradition

While historically the sovereign, as head of the British military, has tended to mark the occasion, the King gave permission for his wife to step in as the 'proud daughter' of an army officer. Pictured: The King and Queen at an event for 80th anniversary of D-Day on June 6

A new photograph of King Charles III was also released to mark Armed Forces Day today

British D-Day veterans hold white roses given to them by French schoolchildren at a memorial service in Ver-sur-Mer today

On the table beside her is an historic photograph of The King, taken in the Clarence House garden, wearing his Royal Navy uniform as Admiral of the Fleet, and another of the Queen's parents, Major Shand and Rosalind Cubitt, on their wedding day in 1946.

She adds: 'Earlier this month, my husband and I were in Normandy on the 80th anniversary of D-Day. We were reminded of the incredible bravery of the Allied land, sea and air forces whose combined endeavours brought about the liberation of Western Europe and in whose debt we shall forever be.

'Eight decades later, I know that 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.

'In so doing, you not only protect these Isles, but also defend liberties way beyond these shores. Your determination, unrelenting efforts and selfless loyalty to each other and to the United Kingdom are as enduring as our gratitude.

'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 message was filmed in the morning room at Clarence House with Queen Camilla wearing her Royal Lancers brooch – the regiment in which her father served and of which Her Majesty is Colonel in Chief

On the table beside her is an historic photograph of The King, taken in the Clarence House garden, wearing his Royal Navy uniform as Admiral of the Fleet, and another of the Queen's parents, Major Shand and Rosalind Cubitt, on their wedding day in 1946

Queen Camilla pictured as she was given a white rose by a D-Day veteran at the British Normandy Memorial on June 6

'In times of war and in times of peace, whether seen or unseen, our Armed Forces support and strengthen our nation. You are a source of inspiration, reassurance and pride – and I salute you all. '

The video was shot by The British Forces Broadcasting Service, a military charity and media organization that supports the UK Armed Forces community worldwide by providing them with morale-boosting TV, radio, films, digital media and news content, even in the most remote regions. She became patron of the BFBS in 2021.

Buckingham Palace have also today released a new photograph of The King, in his role as Head of the Armed Forces, taken by society photographer Hugo Burnand.

It features His Majesty wearing his Field Marshal No1 Full Ceremonial Frock Coat laden with medals, a sword and decorations.

It was taken in the Grand Corridor at Windsor Castle, last November, before his cancer diagnosis.

King Charles III pictured speaking to a D-Day veteran during a lunch following the UK Ministry of Defence and the Royal British Legion's commemorative event on June 6

Queen Camilla pictured on June 6 with King Charles III and Emmanual and Brigitte Macron at the British Normandy Memorial in Ver-sur-Mer, Normandy

His Majesty is wearing the collar of the Most Noble Order of the Garter with the Sovereign's Greater George; the sash of the Royal Victorian Order; The Star of the Order of the Garter; The Star of the Order of the Thistle; The Order of Merit; The Royal Victorian Chain; The Sovereign's badge of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath and the Medal Bar

On the table rests his Field Marshal cap, white gloves and baton,

Armed Forces Day is an annual celebration of personnel, service families, veterans, and cadets and offers a chance for the nation to come together and show its support.