D-Day: Prince Harry's touching tribute to his Chelsea Pensioner 'friends'

‘You are special, and society will always recognise that’

The Duke of Sussex has delivered a heartfelt tribute to the Chelsea Pensioners at the annual Founder’s Day Parade.

On Thursday, Prince Harry arrived at the Royal Hospital Chelsea in London to review the Pensioners at a parade in which six Normandy veterans participated to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of D-Day.

The former Army Captain, who undertook two tours of Afghanistan during his position, arrived at the celebrations in his Blues and Royals frock coat. Like the Pensioners, he wore a sprig of oak leaves in honour of King Charles II who founded the hospital in 1681.

Speaking to those in attendance at the parade, the prince said: “Now I stand here before you to not only acknowledge the incredible contribution you have made to this nation but to acknowledge that you, my friends, are also seriously good fun to be around!

“You will always stand out in your scarlet coats and white gloves, but to me, whether I see you at Westminster Abbey, the Chelsea Flower Show, Twickenham Stadium, or the pub, I notice that you are always smiling.”

The prince, who welcomed his first child Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor last month, also joked with the veterans about stories he had heard of late night cricket and serenading in the hallways of the Pensioners’ residence at the hospital.

“You represent something really quite special, you are special, and society will always recognise that. That is an important part of your legacy,” he added.

Harry said those taking part in the parade were a “constant reminder of the great debt we owe those who have served this nation”.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex (R) attends the annual Founder's Day parade at Royal Hospital Chelsea on June 06, 2019 in London, England. (Getty Images)

He concluded his speech: "I congratulate you on the smartness of your turnout and the steadiness of your bearing.

“I thank you for inviting me here today and I wish you all the health and happiness you so richly deserve.”

Founder’s Day is also known as Oak Apple Day after the oak tree that Charles II hid in to avoid being captured by Parliamentary forces after the Battle of Worcester in 1651.

More than 300 Army veterans currently reside at the Royal Hospital, including those who have served in Korea, the Falkland Islands, Cyprus, and World War II.

Earlier today, Harry's father, Prince Charles, attended a Royal British Legion remembrance service at the cathedral in Bayeux in Normandy, with Prime Minister Theresa May.

Meanwhile, Prince William attended a service of commemoration at the National Memorial Abroretum in Staffordshire.

The royal family’s commemoration of D-Day comes days before the Trooping the Colour – the official ceremony to mark Her Majesty The Queen’s 93^rd birthday.

On Saturday 8 June, the Queen will be accompanied by her family at the Birthday Parade on Horse Guards Parade at which The Colour of the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards will be trooped.