Mixed reactions following announcement from Buckingham Palace regarding King and Queen attending D-Day event

Buckingham Palace made the announcement earlier in the week that part of the Royal family would be attending the event which is due to take place on June 5 on Southsea Common. The event will also be welcoming veterans who fought in Normandy landings back in 1944 as well as the Prime Minister who will be in attendance. The day will consist of militray music and a flyover display from the iconic Red Arrows.

The news that the Royals will be attending has had mixed reactions from locals with some expressing frustration due to the limited number of tickets whilst others are unimpressed at the level of security that is expected. There is also a large number of people who are excited at the news with some saying it is brilliant for the city.

The palace have also confirmed that Charles and Camilla will be at the Ministry of Defence and Royal British Legion’s event at the British Normandy Memorial at Ver-sur-Mer on June 6, and Prince William will attend the Canadian commemorative ceremony at the Juno Beach Centre, Courseulles-sur-Mer, on the same date. One reader said that it was ‘brilliant news’ whilst another reader said: “Yet half of the people in this city can't even go and honour our grandparents.”

A lot of readers commented that they already had an inclination that members of the Royal family would be in attendance due to the significant increase in the security meausres in comparison to the 75th D-Day anniversary event.

One reader said: “Fly in, fly out. The security measures can be seen. I’ve been saying for weeks they are coming.”

Another person added: “Most of the general public are fenced out. Brilliant way to celebrate. VIPs only.”

There have been some positive persepctives surrounding the Royal visit with some describing it as a ‘great’ news. The controversy comes following limited ticket numbers which sold out on the first day of release meaning that a large amount of residents will not be able to attend the event in person. The event will be broadcast on the BBC and residents without tickets have been urged to watch it on the small screen as there will be no public screening on the common this time around, unlike the D-Day 75 events.

The recent announcement of a general election taking place on July 4 has impacted the King’s schedule. The King has postponed a number of engagements ‘which may appear to divert attention or distract from the election campaign’.

A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said: “Following the Prime Minister’s statement this afternoon (May 22) calling a General Election, the royal family will, in accordance with normal procedure, postpone engagements that may appear to divert attention or distract from the election campaign. “Their Majesties send their sincere apologies to any of those who may be affected as a result.”

The Palace confirmed that the King will continue to attend the D-Day events in Portsmouth and Normandy next month with Her Majesty and the Prince of Wales. It has also been announced that the King’s Birthday Parade, also known as Trooping the Colour, will go ahead despite the upcoming General Election, the Army has confirmed.

The celebration, which traditionally involves the royal family gathering on the balcony of Buckingham Palace after a display of pomp and military pageantry, are set to take place on June 15.

For more information about the event, click here.