King Charles III releases photo to mark UK's Armed Forces Day

Queen Camilla has praised the servicemen and women for being a source of 'inspiration, reassurance and pride'

Britain's King Charles III poses for a picture while wearing his field marshal No1 full ceremonial frock coat with medals, sword and decorations. Reuters

A photograph of King Charles III has been released to commemorate the UK's Armed Forces Day on Saturday alongside a rare video message from Queen Camilla.

In the recording, Queen Camilla praised servicemen and women as a “source of inspiration, reassurance and pride” for the nation.

She paid tribute to the efforts of the military, in the face of “challenges and dangers” that not only safeguard the UK “but also defend liberties way beyond these shores”.

Her message also reflected her personal association with the armed forces, as she described herself as the “proud daughter of an army officer” and wore her Royal Lancers brooch – her late father’s regiment and the military unit she serves as colonel-in-chief.

A new photograph of King Charles in military uniform was released to mark the annual event, which is held on the last Saturday of June for the country to show its support for veterans, service families, cadets and those serving.

In her video, Queen Camilla thanked the men and women of the armed forces for “everything you do to protect this country of ours” and remembered those who made the “ultimate sacrifice” in the pursuit of world peace.

This month, the couple had joined world leaders on the beaches of Normandy in northern France to mark the 80th anniversary of the Second World War D-Day landings, and Queen Camilla remembered the “incredible bravery” of the multinational force that liberated Europe from Nazi German occupation.

Britain's King Charles III, President of France, Emmanuel Macron, Queen Camilla and Brigitte Macron attend the UK Ministry of Defence and the Royal British Legion's commemorative event at the British Normandy Memorial to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day in Ver-Sur-Mer, France, on June 6, 2024. Reuters

“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,” she said.

“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.”

The message was recorded in Clarence House’s morning room that featured a picture of the queen’s parents on their wedding day, January 2, 1946, with her mother, then Rosalind Cubitt, posing with her father Major Bruce Shand outside St Paul’s Church in Knightsbridge, London.

Maj Shand served with the 12th Lancers during the Second World War and was awarded the Military Cross in 1940, during the retreat to Dunkirk, and again in 1942 for his efforts in North Africa, and was later wounded and taken prisoner while fighting in same region. He died in June 2006 aged 89.

The queen is patron of the military charity British Forces Broadcasting Service which produced the video message.

“I also want to thank your families, who keep the home fires burning, while you are deployed overseas,” she added.

“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.”

In the new portrait the king, who is head of the armed forces, is wearing his field marshal No 1 full ceremonial frock coat with medals, sword and decorations.

The photograph was taken in the Grand Corridor at Windsor Castle, last November by Hugo Burnand, a favourite photographer of the royal family who took the official coronation photographs.