ROYAL ROLE
King Charles drops major hint whether he’ll be on Normandy beaches for 80th anniversary of D-Day amid cancer battle
The Legion is organising D-Day events in France and Portsmouth
THE King has given his clearest indication yet he will be on the Normandy beaches to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
He has taken over patronage of the Royal British Legion from the late Queen ahead of next month’s commemorations.
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Buckingham Palace last night revealed that Charles will take on more than 300 of her patronages and charities.
It takes the number affiliated with the King to 669 — including the Legion, which had his mother at its head for more than 70 years.
Sources say “it’s the clearest indication” he will be in Normandy despite his cancer battle.
The Legion is organising D-Day events in France and Portsmouth.
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Charles is still undergoing cancer treatment but is now expected to be cleared as fit enough to travel across the English Channel for the occasion.
He is set to stand with French president Emmanuel Macron at the British Normandy Memorial on June 6.
A spokesman for Buckingham Palace declined to comment.
Mark Atkinson, Director General, The Royal British said: "The Royal British Legion is extremely proud that His Majesty The King is our new Patron.
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"As the nation’s largest military charity, this patronage honours the special relationship that exists between the Monarch and the Armed Forces.
"His Majesty’s commitment to Remembrance and lifelong support to the RBL’s welfare work is greatly appreciated by our entire community."
A review of more than 1,000 royal patronages began after the late Queen died in September 2022.
There was a fear that the new King and Queen would not appoint royal replacements for the many charities.
But letters have gone out this weekend informing more than 800 that their royal link continues.
Of the late Queen's 492 organisations, 376 are retained by the King and other family members.
The King's patronages have risen from 492 to 669.
And Camilla now has 115 patronages which is up from around 90 when she was Duchess of Cornwall.
Other changes announced last night include the Queen taking over the Army Benevolent Fund and joint patronage with the King of The Jockey Club.
Among the King's new responsibilities are Braemar Royal Highland Society, Camerata Ireland, The Dogs Trust, Samaritans, WaterAid and Welsh National Opera.
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Plans for D-Day come after The King told aides he was "raring to go" and told them to "supercharge" his diary.
He was cleared to return to public duty last month eleven weeks after being diagnosed with cancer.
Prince Harry and King Charles set to meet for second time since monarch's cancer diagnosis as exact date for reunion is revealed
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