Today is the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings, which took place on June 6, 1944. Heads of State, senior political figures, veterans and royals have gathered in Normandy for commemorative services. Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall are at the Bayeux Cathedral in Normandy for a church service, but there are some royals not present.

The cathedral service is being held in Bayeux, the first major place to be liberated after the Allied forces invasion, the largest amphibious invasion in military history and a major turning point for the Allies in the Second World War.

Following the service, veterans will parade from the cathedral to the Commonwealth War Graves cemetery.

Also in attendance are Prime Minister Theresa May, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and French President Emmanuel Macron.

Speaking earlier at the memorial inauguration, Prime Minister Theresa May said: “If one day can be said to have determined the fate of generations to come, in France, in Britain, in Europe and in the world, that day was the 6 June 1944.

Read More: D-Day 75th anniversary: World leaders unite at Ver Sur Mer

“More than 156,000 men landed on D-Day, of which 83,000 were from Britain and the Commonwealth.

“Over a quarter of a million more supported operations from air and sea, while the French Resistance carried out extraordinary acts of bravery from behind enemy lines.

“Many were terribly wounded, and many made the ultimate sacrifice that day, and in the fierce sacrifice that followed, as together our Allied nations sought to release Europe from the grip of fascism.”

Why are Kate and William not at D-Day commemorations?

Prince William, Kate, Duchess of Cambridge and the Queen are all absent from today’s proceedings.

The Queen did attend the commemoration service in Portsmouth on Wednesday, sitting side by side with US President Donald Trump.

She spoke at the service on Wednesday, saying: “The heroism, courage and sacrifice of those who lost their lives will never be forgotten.

“It is with humility and pleasure, on behalf of the entire country – indeed the whole free world – that I say to you all: thank you.”

The Royal Family are represented at today’s events by Prince Charles and Camilla – and the busy weekend impending could be why the Queen, William and Kate have elected not to attend.

The Queen will celebrate her official birthday on Saturday, in an event known as Trooping the Colour.

The Queen’s actual birthday was April 21, when she turned 93-years-old, however often monarchs who’s birthday is not in the summer months have a second celebration in June.

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