King Charles's latest move has 'enormous significance' for key reason amid cancer battle

King Charles put on a brave display today as he spoke of his "profound sense of gratitude" to those who fought in the summer of 1944, during a commemorative ceremony in France for the 80th anniversary of the historic D-day invasion in Normandy.

The monarch said that while the number of living veterans was dwindling, "our obligation to remember what they stood for and what they achieved for us all can never diminish."

Charles and Queen Camilla appeared visibly moved as the memories of a D-Day veteran were read out, with both the King and Queen seen wiping away a tear.

The King, who is slowly returning to public-facing duties after a short break, brushed off his recent cancer diagnosis to attend today's event as well as yesterday's poignant ceremonies in Normandy and Portsmouth.

He is currently undergoing treatment for an undisclosed type of cancer after being diagnosed back in February.

Now a royal commentator has praised Charles for his strength and determination to attend such events, adding that his appearances both in Portsmouth and Normandy have an " enormous symbolic significance" for one simple reason.

Veteran royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams told the Express: "As monarch, King Charles symbolises national unity and his presence at Portsmouth yesterday and at the British Normandy Memorial at Ver-sur-Mer today, has enormous symbolic significance as he is Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces.

"Since he is undergoing treatment for cancer, there is enormous pressure on him.

"Both from his doctors who are well aware of his workaholic tendencies and also because his appearances mean he can personally pay tribute, as he did in his speech yesterday, to those who served so bravely.

"He and the Queen were deeply moved at yesterday’s event."

Mr Fitzwilliams suggested that Charles's service in the military has given him a special connection with the Armed Forces, "who now owe their allegiance to him, the importance of this is not the power he has, but the power he denies to others."

He added: "Despite his illness, he knows it is pivotal he attends national events when he can and also that Prince William, who has served in all three services, represents him when world leaders gather at the international commemorative ceremony on Omaha Beach today.

"In this way, the monarchy serves as a uniquely unifying force in our public life."