King Charles' new portrait revealed as Queen Camilla pays tribute in rare address
The Queen has praised the nation's servicemen and women as a "source of inspiration, reassurance and pride" in a video message commemorating Armed Forces Day.
In a rare national address, Camilla honoured the military's efforts amidst "challenges and dangers" that not only protect the UK but also defend liberties far beyond our borders.
A new photograph of the King donning his military uniform was also unveiled to mark Armed Forces Day, which is celebrated annually on the last Saturday of June. The day allows the country to express its support for veterans, service families, cadets and those still in active duty.
The King in uniform and seated
Camilla's heartfelt message also highlighted her personal connection with the Armed Forces, referring to herself as the "proud daughter of an Army officer". She wore her Royal Lancers brooch a nod to her late father's regiment and the military unit she serves as Colonel in Chief.
In her video, Camilla expressed gratitude to the men and women of the Armed Forces for "everything you do to protect this country of ours". She also paid tribute to those who made the "ultimate sacrifice" in the quest for global peace.
The King and Queen joined global leaders on Normandy's beaches on 6th June to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Second World War D-Day landings. Camilla recalled the "incredible bravery" of the forces that freed Europe from Hitler's rule.
Charles and Camilla at D-Day 80th anniversary events
The Queen conveyed heartfelt appreciation, saying: "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."
"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."
Filmed in Clarence House's morning room, the backdrop honoured the past with a historic photograph featuring the Queen's parents on their wedding day, January 2 1946. Rosalind Cubitt, her mother, looked radiant beside her father Major Bruce Shand, just outside St Paul's Church in Knightsbridge, London.
Camilla smiles at the camera in a dark blue dress
Major Shand's wartime service was noteworthy; he served with the 12th Lancers during the Second World War, earning the Military Cross twice once in 1940 during the retreat to Dunkirk, and again in 1942 for his North Africa campaign. Despite being wounded and captured in the same region, he survived the ordeal, passing away at the age of 89 in June 2006.
As patron of the military charity British Forces Broadcasting Service, which produced the video, the Duchess further extended her message of gratitude: "I also want to thank your families, who keep the home fires burning, whilst you are deployed overseas."
She shared a personal connection to military life, saying, "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."
"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 new portrait of the King, donning his Field Marshal No 1 ceremonial uniform, complete with medals, sword and decorations, communicates regal dignity.
Captured within the grandeur of Windsor Castle's Grand Corridor last November, Hugo Burnand, a favoured Royal Family photographer, known notably for the official coronation snaps, was behind the lens for this momentous photograph.