Queen Camilla shared an emotional moment with a World War II veteran this week, expressing heartfelt admiration and personal reverence for those who served during the war, including her own father, Major Bruce Shand.
In a touching conversation at Clarence House ahead of the VE Day 80th anniversary commemorations, the 77-year-old Queen’s voice trembled as she sat down with veteran Douglas Cracknell to reflect on the sacrifices made during the war. “The Queen sat down with veteran Douglas Cracknell at Clarence House ahead of #VEDay80 commemorations,” the royal family shared in a post on Instagram, along with a poignant video of the exchange.
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Cracknell, who served as a rifleman in the 5th Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry, was awarded the Legion d’Honneur for his bravery during World War II. The Palace noted in the post, “Douglas was awarded the Legion d’Honneur for his service during the Second World War, when he served as a rifleman in the 5th Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry.”
Queen Camilla also paid a special tribute to her father, saying he was a source of deep inspiration. “Her Majesty’s father, Major Bruce Shand, was also a veteran and received the Military Cross twice for his actions at Dunkirk and in North Africa,” the Palace added.
The tribute came as the United Kingdom began a series of national events to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day. Monday launched four days of commemorations with a grand military spectacle in London. Buckingham Palace served as the focal point, where large crowds gathered to witness the event.
A 1,300-strong military procession marched through the streets, accompanied by marching bands, massed pipes and drums, and youth cadets. The commemoration also featured a dramatic flypast of 23 aircraft, including a historic Lancaster Bomber, which soared above the Palace.
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King Charles, Queen Camilla, Prince William, Princess Kate, and other senior royals, along with Prime Minister Keir Starmer, watched the ceremonies from a dais at the Queen Victoria Memorial. They were joined by veterans and evacuees, many of whom wrapped themselves in blankets to fend off the spring chill as they relived powerful memories.
Later in the day, a Buckingham Palace tea party brought together 30 World War II veterans, aged between 98 and 104, and about 20 evacuees who had lived through the war. The royals shared stories, tea, and gratitude with those whose lives were forever shaped by the events of the 1940s.
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