Rishi Sunak read an address by Field Marshal Montgomery, which was delivered to the troops ahead of the D-Day landings.

In his contribution to the commemorative event in Portsmouth, the Prime Minister read out the short address which began: “The time has come to deal the enemy a terrific blow in Western Europe. The blow will be struck by the combined sea, land and air forces of the Allies together constituting one great allied team, under the supreme command of General Eisenhower.”

It continued: “To us is given the honour of striking a blow for freedom which will live in history; and in the better days that lie ahead men will speak with pride of our doings. We have a great and a righteous cause.”

“It is our duty to ensure that we and future generations do not forget their service and their sacrifice in replacing tyranny with freedom.”

The King has paid tribute to D-Day veterans at a commemorative event in Portsmouth ahead of the 80th anniversary.

He said: “The stories of courage, resilience and solidarity we have heard today and throughout our lives cannot fail to move us, to inspire us and to remind us of what we owe to that great wartime generation.”

The King and Queen arrived at the D-Day commemorative event in Portsmouth shortly before 11.40am.

Charles and Camilla were introduced on stage by host Dame Helen Mirren to a standing ovation and applause from the crowd.

The King greeted the crowd with a wave.

The Prince of Wales said he was “deeply honoured” as he delivered a reading on stage at the D-Day commemorative event.

William said: “We will always remember those who served and those who waved them off.”

The prince read an extract from the diary of Captain Alastair Bannerman of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment, a soldier who was part of D-Day, addressed to his wife on the morning of the landings.

Part of the extract read: “A long line of flares hangs over Cherbourg, or I suppose it is Cherbourg, and a few anti-aircraft tracer shots go up in the air above the immediate front line.

“Funny to imagine that there (sic) Germans run around their guns. I would like to know what they are thinking. The whole Channel between us and Cherbourg is filled with little ships which all quietly and efficiently sail towards France.

“The British, Canadian and American fighting forces on the war-path.”

The King has spoken of his “profound admiration and respect” for those who took part in D-Day.

In a message in the programme for the D-Day 80 national commemoration in Portsmouth, Charles wrote: “On 6 June 1944, following an intense period of preparation uniting military planning and civilian industrial ingenuity, nearly 160,000 young men landed under enemy fire on the beaches of Normandy. Each of these courageous sailors, soldiers and aviators risked his life so that others might live in freedom and in peace. Many were never to return.

“Eighty years later, it remains our solemn duty to continue to honour the outstanding gallantry, service and sacrifice of those who took part in that perilous mission.

“We do so with the most profound admiration and respect, and with everlasting gratitude.”

Addressing the audience at the D-Day commemorative event in Portsmouth, Dame Helen Mirren praised the bravery of the veterans in attendance.

She said: “The presence today of some of those who contributed to that remarkable venture is an extraordinary privilege.

“Your bravery remains as inspiring now as it was eight decades ago. Thank you.”

The Prince of Wales and Rishi Sunak engage in conversation as they wait for the memorial event to begin.

The Prince of Wales appeared jovial as he shook hands with Rishi Sunak and political leaders as he arrived at the 80th anniversary of D-Day in Portsmouth.