joins the Queen to honour D-Day veterans in Portsmouth

Donald Trump met D-Day veterans with the Queen today before the President said farewell and thanked her for his state visit telling her: 'It was a great honour to be with you'.

Mr Trump and his wife Melania, who are travelling to Ireland this afternoon, joined the monarch and Prince Charles to speak to some of the 300 men who fought on the Normandy beaches 75 years ago.

As they posed for the final photograph of his three-day state visit to Britain, the President told the Queen: 'It was a great honour to be with you' and was heard saying: 'Great woman. Great, great woman'. 

Today her Majesty paid tribute to 'my generation' as she saluted the heroism of D-Day veterans in Portsmouth -exactly 75 years since they set sail for France - at a ceremony attended by world leaders including Theresa May, Emmanuel Macron, Angela Merkel and Justin Trudeau.

More than 300 heroes who survived the invasion of France in 1944 were guests of honour and a group of veterabs stood and saluted the thousands who made the ultimate sacrifice fighting Hitler's Germany on Normandy's beaches.

A flypast of Spirtfires and Red Arrows streaked across the sky at the end of the moving ceremony, where Prince Charles was seen wiping his eyes.

After posing for this farewell photo with the Queen at today's D-Day 75 commemoration in Portsmouth, Donald Trump thanked her for inviting him to Britain for a state visit

After posing for this farewell photo with the Queen at today's D-Day 75 commemoration in Portsmouth, Donald Trump thanked her for inviting him to Britain for a state visit

The President told the Queen: 'It was a great honour to be with you' and was heard saying: 'Great woman. Great, great woman'.

The President told the Queen: 'It was a great honour to be with you' and was heard saying: 'Great woman. Great, great woman'.

Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump met veterans at an event attended by the Allies who all took part in D-Day

Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump met veterans at an event attended by the Allies who all took part in D-Day

Heir to the throne Prince Charles shares a joke with a D-Day veteran, many of whom are now heading to Normandy for more events

Heir to the throne Prince Charles shares a joke with a D-Day veteran, many of whom are now heading to Normandy for more events

The Queen paid tribute to her 'wartime generation' in a speech to thousands in Portsmouth this afternoon

The Queen paid tribute to her 'wartime generation' in a speech to thousands in Portsmouth this afternoon

The Queen and Donald Trump appear to enjoy a good relationship and chatted throughout today's event

Thousands watched in wonder as the Red Arrows carried out a flypast with their trademark red, white and blue plumes of smoke

Thousands watched in wonder as the Red Arrows carried out a flypast with their trademark red, white and blue plumes of smoke

Spitfires fly over the VIPs on an extraordinary day in Portsmouth marking the invasion of France in 1944

Spitfires fly over the VIPs on an extraordinary day in Portsmouth marking the invasion of France in 1944

US Lockheed C-130 Hercules airplanes and Boeing-Bell V-22 Osprey aircrafts fly over Carentan as part of D-Day commemorations

US Lockheed C-130 Hercules airplanes and Boeing-Bell V-22 Osprey aircrafts fly over Carentan as part of D-Day commemorations

A Second World War veteran cries during the ceremony in Portsmouth this morning to mark the 75th anniversary of D-Day

A Second World War veteran cries during the ceremony in Portsmouth this morning to mark the 75th anniversary of D-Day

Queen thanks D-Day heroes for showing courage that helped free the world

Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

When I attended the commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the D-Day Landings, some thought it might be the last such event. But the wartime generation - my generation - is resilient, and I am delighted to be with you in Portsmouth today.

75 years ago, hundreds of thousands of young soldiers, sailors and airmen left these shores in the cause of freedom. In a broadcast to the nation at that time, my Father, King George VI, said: '…what is demanded from us all is something more than courage and endurance; we need a revival of spirit, a new unconquerable resolve...' That is exactly what those brave men brought to the battle, as the fate of the world depended on their success.

Many of them would never return, and the heroism, courage and sacrifice of those who lost their lives will never be forgotten. It is with humility and pleasure, on behalf of the entire country – indeed the whole free world – that I say to you all, thank you.

Mr Trump, who was accompanied by First Lady Melania, sat next to the Queen and Prince Charles and they smiled and chatted surrounded by the leaders of all the Allied nations who took part in Operation Overlord - the codename for D-Day.

The President read excerpts of a prayer, broadcast across the United States by his predecessor Franklin D. Roosevelt on the night of the D-Day invasion, before French President Macron rose to thank those who fought to liberate his country from Hitler's grip. 

Mr Trump said: 'Almighty God: Our sons, pride of our nation, this day have set upon a mighty endeavour, a struggle to preserve our republic, our religion, and our civilisation, and to set free a suffering humanity.'

And the Queen paid tribute to the 'resilient wartime generation' - she called 'my generation' - and said: 'Seventy-five years ago, hundreds of thousands of young soldiers, sailors and airmen left these shores in the cause of freedom. 

'Many of them would never return, and the heroism, courage and sacrifice of those who lost their lives will never be forgotten. It is with humility and pleasure, on behalf of the entire country - indeed the whole free world - that I say to you all, thank you.'

Afterwards Her Majesty, Prince Charles, the President and First Lady Melania met D-Day veterans and their families, many of whom will be heading back to Normandy this evening.

Tens of thousands of people also gathered at the Portsmouth Naval Memorial on Southsea Common for the event which marks the anniversary of the biggest amphibious invasion in military history.

75 years ago today - June 5 1944 - US General Dwight D. Eisenhower, the Supreme Allied Commander in Europe, gave the final order to invade German-occupied France with the message: 'The eyes of the world are upon you'. 

President Trump shares a joke with the Queen at the start of the D-Day 75 event, having had a state banquet thrown in his honour at Buckingham Palace this week

Mr Trump said today that Her Majesty was a hero to his British mother Mary,  and has called the Queen a 'truly great woman'

Mr Trump said today that Her Majesty was a hero to his British mother Mary,  and has called the Queen a 'truly great woman'

Prince Charles wipes his eyes during the moving ceremony where his mother paid tribute to the brave veterans who fought on D-Day in speech that also mentioned her father George VI

Prince Charles wipes his eyes during the moving ceremony where his mother paid tribute to the brave veterans who fought on D-Day in speech that also mentioned her father George VI

In a highly personal speech the Queen mentioned her father George VI  and paid tribute to the 'resilient wartime generation' - she called 'my generation' - thanking them for freeing the world

In a highly personal speech the Queen mentioned her father George VI  and paid tribute to the 'resilient wartime generation' - she called 'my generation' - thanking them for freeing the world

The Trumps were on the front row for the event attended by 14 world leaders and hundreds of veterans in Hampshire

The Trumps were on the front row for the event attended by 14 world leaders and hundreds of veterans in Hampshire

President Trump read an excerpt of Franklin D. Roosevelt's D-Day prayer, which he read to the nation on the night of June 6, 1944

President Trump read an excerpt of Franklin D. Roosevelt's D-Day prayer, which he read to the nation on the night of June 6, 1944 

The Trumps are on the third day of their state visit to Britain and will head to Ireland tonight and on to France tomorrow

The Trumps are on the third day of their state visit to Britain and will head to Ireland tonight and on to France tomorrow

The Queen was the last to arrive on the podium, and was accompanied by Prince Charles because her husband Prince Philip is now retired from public events

The Queen was the last to arrive on the podium, and was accompanied by Prince Charles because her husband Prince Philip is now retired from public events

Theresa May and Emmanuel Macron smile at Her Majesty as she takes her seat next to her son Prince Charles

Theresa May and Emmanuel Macron smile at Her Majesty as she takes her seat next to her son Prince Charles 

Veterans who survived D-Day were also guests of honour and are shown here saluting their fallen comrades at the event also attended by thousands of members of the public

Veterans who survived D-Day were also guests of honour and are shown here saluting their fallen comrades at the event also attended by thousands of members of the public 

Charles, the Queen and Donald Trump watch the D-Day flypast tearing across the Hampshire sky this afternoon

Charles, the Queen and Donald Trump watch the D-Day flypast tearing across the Hampshire sky this afternoon

Within hours the allied fleet of 2,700 ships was sent out of British ports all along the south of England - the biggest armada the world had ever seen - with the area around the Isle of Wight nicknamed 'Piccadilly Circus' - before sailing across the Channel as paratroopers were dropped into France.

Day three of the Trump state visit to Britain

9.35am: Trump and his wife Melania fly to Portsmouth from London for events to commemorate the 75th anniversary of D-Day

10.45am: Leaders will gather for the start of events

12.45pm: The Trumps will join the Queen to meet D-Day Veterans followed by a lunch reception held by Prince Charles.

3.30pm: The President and First Lady fly to Ireland where they will meet Taoiseach Leo Varadkar before staying at Mr Trump's Doonbeg luxury hotel in Clare.

From dawn on June 6 - known as the Longest Day - 156,000 troops stormed Normandy's beaches and smashed Hitler's Nazis, turning the Second World War in the allies' favour and leading to the liberation of Europe a year later.

It is considered the turning point of the Second World War - but Operation Overlord also led to to the deaths of thousands on both sides, with tens of thousands more injured.    

The President is on the third day of his state visit to Britain and is taking part in a ceremony on the south coast with the allies who helped defeat Hitler after a whirlwind 48 hours where he attended a glittering state banquet at Buckingham Palace and held talks in Downing Street. 

Theresa May is making her final official appearances as the British Prime Minister during the D-Day commemorations which continue on Thursday across Normandy.

She read a letter from Captain Norman Skinner of the Royal Army Service Corps, to his wife Gladys on June 3, 1944.

The letter was in his pocket when he landed on Normandy's Sword Beach on D-Day but he was killed the following day, leaving his wife and two young daughters.

Reading the letter Mrs May said: 'My darling this is a very difficult letter for me to write. As you know something may happen at any moment and I cannot tell when you will receive this.

'I had hoped to be able to see you during last weekend but it was impossible to get away and all the things I intended to say must be written. I'm sure that anyone with imagination must dislike the thought of what's coming, but my fears will be more of being afraid than of what can happen to me.

'You and I have had some lovely years which now seemed to have passed at lightning speed. My thoughts at this moment, in this lovely Saturday afternoon, are with you all now'.

The Portsmouth memorial today featured a flypast by RAF warplanes past and present, including a display by the Red Arrows

The Portsmouth memorial today featured a flypast by RAF warplanes past and present, including a display by the Red Arrows

The spectacular flypast by the Red Arrows formed part of the National Commemorative Event in Portsmouth this afternoon

A veteran of the 6th Airborne Division puts his head in his hands during a ceremony at Pegasus Bridge in France today

A veteran of the 6th Airborne Division puts his head in his hands during a ceremony at Pegasus Bridge in France today

A French army general shakes hands with a British D-Day veteran during a ceremony near Pegasus Bridge in France today

A French army general shakes hands with a British D-Day veteran during a ceremony near Pegasus Bridge in France today

Jim Booth, 97, who was a Royal Marine special forces commando whose top secret operation launched the D-Day assault on Sword Beach, in Portsmouth today

Veteran Bertie Billet attends an event to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings

Jim Booth, 97, who was a Royal Marine special forces commando whose top secret operation launched the D-Day assault on Sword Beach, in Portsmouth today. He was joind by Veteran Bertie Billet attends an event to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings,

World leaders representing the Allied nations who took part in the D-Day landings also attended, including French president Emmanuel Macron, prime minister of Canada Justin Trudeau and President Donald Trump, who is coming to the end of a three-day state visit to the UK.

Other guests included Australia's prime minister Scott Morrison, prime minister Charles Michel from Belgium, the Czech Republic's prime minister Andrej Babis and president Prokopis Pavlopoulos from Greece. Chancellor Angela Merkel represented Germany.

The PM of Luxembourg Xavier Bettel also attended, as did his counterparts from the Netherlands Mark Rutte, Norway's Erna Solberg, Poland's Mateusz Morawiecki and Slovakia's deputy prime minister Richard Rasi.

They all met the Queen before the event began - a first for Mr Macron - and then posed for a group photograph with the monarch and Prince of Wales. 

The next segment of the event saw a tribute to the agents of the Special Operations Executive which supported the French Resistance.

France's President Emmanuel Macron read the last letter of a young resistance fighter Henri Fertet, executed at just 16 years old.

Before he began he said: 'First, let me thank you sincerely, on behalf of my nation.'

Speaking in French he read the letter, saying: 'My dear parents, My letter is going to cause you great sorrow, but I have seen you so full of courage in the past that I do not doubt that you will remain courageous, if only out of love for me.

'I am going to die for my country. I want France to be free and the French to be happy. I do not want France to be arrogant and the world's leading nation but hard-working, industrious and honest.'

The Queen, accompanied by The Prince of Wales, and the President and the First Lady, pose for a formal photograph with leaders of the other Allied Nations. Back row l-r Slovakia DPM Richard Rai, Prime Minister of Poland Mateusz Morawiecki, Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Luxembourg Xavier Bettel, Prime Minister of Norway Erna Solberg, Prime Minister of Belgium Charles Michel, Prime Minister of the Czech Republic Andrej Babia, Prime Minister of Australia Scott Morrison, Danish Ambassador to the UK Lars Thuesen. Front row L-R Governor-General of New Zealand Patsy Reddy, President of France Emmanuel Macron, Prime Minister Theresa May, US President Donald Trump, President of Greece Prokopis Pavlopoulos, Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel, Prime Minister of the Netherlands Mark Rutte

The Queen, accompanied by The Prince of Wales, and the President and the First Lady, pose for a formal photograph with leaders of the other Allied Nations. Back row l-r Slovakia DPM Richard Rai, Prime Minister of Poland Mateusz Morawiecki, Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Luxembourg Xavier Bettel, Prime Minister of Norway Erna Solberg, Prime Minister of Belgium Charles Michel, Prime Minister of the Czech Republic Andrej Babia, Prime Minister of Australia Scott Morrison, Danish Ambassador to the UK Lars Thuesen. Front row L-R Governor-General of New Zealand Patsy Reddy, President of France Emmanuel Macron, Prime Minister Theresa May, US President Donald Trump, President of Greece Prokopis Pavlopoulos, Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel, Prime Minister of the Netherlands Mark Rutte

The Queen and UK Prime Minister meet the German Chancellor Angel Merkel ahead of the ceremony

The Queen and UK Prime Minister meet the German Chancellor Angel Merkel ahead of the ceremony

Trump concentrates as the Queen speaks to him this afternoon with Mrs Trump smiling broadly at her words

Trump concentrates as the Queen speaks to him this afternoon with Mrs Trump smiling broadly at her words

Prince Charles smiles as he speaks to Macron, who thanked all those to helped liberate France from the tyranny of Nazi Germany

Prince Charles smiles as he speaks to Macron, who thanked all those to helped liberate France from the tyranny of Nazi Germany

Mr Trump's prayer read for troops on D-Day has a large picture of wartime leader FDR behind him

Mr Trump's prayer read for troops on D-Day has a large picture of wartime leader FDR behind him

Theresa May speaks on stage during the D-Day Commemorations - her last major event as Tory leader in Britain before she quits

Theresa May speaks on stage during the D-Day Commemorations - her last major event as Tory leader in Britain before she quits

Mrs May read a letter from Captain Norman Skinner (right) of the Royal Army Service Corps, to his wife Gladys on June 3, 1944, found in his pocket after he was killed on D-Day

Mrs May read a letter from Captain Norman Skinner (right) of the Royal Army Service Corps, to his wife Gladys on June 3, 1944, found in his pocket after he was killed on D-Day

US President Donald Trump walks on to stage to read FDR's prayer

Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau read the Victoria Cross citation of Lieutenant-Colonel Cecil Merritt, the first Canadian to be awarded the medal for gallantry

US President Donald Trump walks on to stage to read FDR's prayer Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau read the Victoria Cross citation of Lieutenant-Colonel Cecil Merritt, the first Canadian to be awarded the medal for gallantry

Donald Trump, First Lady Melania, Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos, German leader Angela Merkel, Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte, Luxembourg Prime Minister Xavier Bettel and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau watch on

Donald Trump, First Lady Melania, Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos, German leader Angela Merkel, Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte, Luxembourg Prime Minister Xavier Bettel and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau watch on

Theresa May smiles at French President Emmanuel Macron despite a number of rows over Brexit in recent months

Theresa May smiles at French President Emmanuel Macron despite a number of rows over Brexit in recent months

Mr Trump speaks to Theresa May as the world leaders take their seats together alongside other politicians and royalty including Mr Trudeau

Mr Trump speaks to Theresa May as the world leaders take their seats together alongside other politicians and royalty including Mr Trudeau

Mrs Merkel pulls a funny face while in discussion with Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte as they sat with VIPs

Mrs Merkel pulls a funny face while in discussion with Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte as they sat with VIPs

Jeremy Corbyn sat a few seats back from Mr Trump, who refused to meet the Labour leader while visiting Britain this week

Jeremy Corbyn sat a few seats back from Mr Trump, who refused to meet the Labour leader while visiting Britain this week

(Front row, L-R) French President, Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister, Theresa May, Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, Queen Elizabeth II, President of the United States, Donald Trump, First Lady of the United States, Melania Trump, President of Greece, Prokopis Pavlopoulos and Chancellor of Germany, Angela Merkel attends the D-day 75 Commemorations

(Front row, L-R) French President, Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister, Theresa May, Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, Queen Elizabeth II, President of the United States, Donald Trump, First Lady of the United States, Melania Trump, President of Greece, Prokopis Pavlopoulos and Chancellor of Germany, Angela Merkel attends the D-day 75 Commemorations

Mr Trump travelled around an hour by helicopter from London on the third and final day of his state visit to Britain

Mr Trump travelled around an hour by helicopter from London on the third and final day of his state visit to Britain

Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau read the Victoria Cross citation of Lieutenant-Colonel Cecil Merritt, the first Canadian to be awarded the medal for gallantry and inspired leadership during the disastrous raid on Dieppe in 1942.

Later actress Sheridan Smith performed Second World War song When the Lights Go On Again, that expresses hopes for an end to the war across the world.

As she sang black and white wartime images were shown on a huge screen behind her.

Actor David Haig performed an extract from his play Pressure.

It tells the story of the weather forecaster for D-Day, Scottish meteorologist, Group Captain James Stagg, who persuaded military chiefs to delay the huge assault because of a predicted storm.

The spectators saw the key scene from the play when the decision is taken on June 3, 1944 to postpone the D-Day after Haig, playing Stagg, tells the assembled senior officers he predicted a 'storm of unprecedented malignancy'.

Haig is best known for the film Four Weddings And A Funeral and BBC sitcom The Thin Blue Line.

Sergeant John Jenkins MBE, 99, from Portsmouth, was in the Pioneer Corps on D-Day and landed on Gold Beach on June 8.

Speaking at the service, he said: 'I was 23 years old when I landed on Gold Beach. I was terrified, I think everyone was. I look back on it as a big part of my life.

Trump read FDR's D-Day prayer read to America after its sons stormed Normandy's beaches

In a nationwide radio message on the evening of June 6, 1944, President Roosevelt led the nation in prayer. 

President Trump read the following excerpt today:

'Almighty God: Our sons, pride of our Nation, this day have set upon a mighty endeavour, a struggle to preserve our Republic, our religion, and our civilization, and to set free a suffering humanity.

'They will need Thy blessings. For the enemy is strong. He may hurl back our forces but we shall return again and again; and we know that by Thy grace, and by the righteousness of our cause, our sons will triumph.

'Some will never return. Embrace these, Father, and receive them, Thy heroic servants, into Thy kingdom. And, O Lord, give us Faith. Give us Faith in Thee; Faith in our sons; Faith in each other; Faith in our united crusade.

Thy will be done, Almighty God. Amen.'

'I was just a small part in a very big machine.'

He said he was 'honoured' to be at the service along with other D-Day veterans.

'You never forget your comrades because we were all in it together,' he said.

'It is right that the courage and sacrifice of so many is being honoured 75 years on. We must never forget.'

Actor and author Celia Imrie narrated the event and began by introducing a segment on the fall of Europe and the start of the Second World War when Nazi Germany invaded Poland on September 1, 1939.

She said the scene in Southsea ahead of D-Day, 75 years ago, was very different from today: 'This was no green and open land but a sea of uniform and an ocean of men.

'Seventy-five years later we are honoured to be joined by over 300 veterans of Operation Overlord.

'They bravely risked their lives for our today and to them we show our profound appreciation.'

An extract from Second World War leader Winston Churchill's famous 'We Shall Fight on the Beaches' speech was played: 'We shall go on to the end, we shall fight in France, we shall fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength the air, we shall defend our Island, whatever the cost may be, we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; We shall never surrender.'  

It is the third time in three days that the royal family has spent time with President Trump on his historic visit to the UK 

Mr Trump looked serious as he spoke at the start of the event with Melania smiling slightly behind him

Mr Trump looked serious as he spoke at the start of the event with Melania smiling slightly behind him

President of the United States, Donald Trump and First Lady of the United States, Melania Trump sit next to British Prime minister, Theresa May (L) President of Greece, Prokopis Pavlopoulos (2nd R) and Chancellor of Germany, Angela Merkel (R) as they attend the D-Day Commemoration

President of the United States, Donald Trump and First Lady of the United States, Melania Trump sit next to British Prime minister, Theresa May (L) President of Greece, Prokopis Pavlopoulos (2nd R) and Chancellor of Germany, Angela Merkel (R) as they attend the D-Day Commemoration

Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel (L), Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg (3R), New Zealand's Governor-General Patsy Reddy (2R) and Philip May, husband of Britain's Prime Minister, attended

Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel (L), Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg (3R), New Zealand's Governor-General Patsy Reddy (2R) and Philip May, husband of Britain's Prime Minister, attended

Star of stage and screen Sheridan Smith performed during the commemorations for the 75th Anniversary of the D-Day landings

Star of stage and screen Sheridan Smith performed during the commemorations for the 75th Anniversary of the D-Day landings

D-Day veteran Henry Cullen, with British Royal Navy Bethany Thomson of HMS Nelson, pictured together in Portsmouth today

D-Day veteran Henry Cullen, with British Royal Navy Bethany Thomson of HMS Nelson, pictured together in Portsmouth today

Veterans who took part in Overlord watched on as actors and world leaders took part in a ceremony describing what has happened

Veterans who took part in Overlord watched on as actors and world leaders took part in a ceremony describing what has happened

The Queen waves to crowds from the back of her limousine as world leaders gathered on the south coast today

The Queen waves to crowds from the back of her limousine as world leaders gathered on the south coast today

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump arrive to participate in an event to commemorate the 75th anniversary of D-Day, in Portsmouth today

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump arrive to participate in an event to commemorate the 75th anniversary of D-Day, in Portsmouth today

Marine One comes in to land a Trump joined world leaders and the Queen to mark the anniversary

Marine One comes in to land a Trump joined world leaders and the Queen to mark the anniversary

The audience were entertained by the Tri-Service Orchestra who performed a medley of music from the 1940s before the event began.

The world leaders in Portsmouth today

· British Prime Minister Theresa May

· US President Donald Trump

· French President Emmanuel Macron

· Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

· Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison

· German Chancellor Angela Merkel

· Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel

· Czech Republic Prime Minister Andrej Babis

· Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos

· Luxembourg Prime Minister Xavier Bettel

· Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte

· Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg

· Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki

· Slovakian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Rasi

 

They were also treated to the spectacle of a guard of honour, formed of military personnel from Royal Navy, Army and RAF marching through the spectator aisles and onto the main stage.

The Queen's arrival in the royal box was signalled by a fanfare from musicians from the Band of the Royal Marines and the Tri-Service orchestra performed the national anthem.

The orchestra performed John Williams' Hymn to the Fallen which opens the D-Day based war film Saving Private Ryan, and has become associated with Second World War remembrance and memorials.

Meanwhile, hundreds of veterans are flocking to northern France and Portsmouth as well as to events around the country to mark the occasion.

On Wednesday Mrs May will host 15 world leaders and representatives in the Hampshire port city.

The event will be the first time the UK has hosted this many world leaders outside a formal summit since the 2012 Olympics.

A mass security operation has been launched in the wake of Mr Trump's attendance at the event - as part of his UK state visit.

Some critics have claimed his presence draws focus away from the veterans.

Representatives from every country that fought alongside the UK in Operation Overlord - the Battle of Normandy - will attend commemorations as well as The Prince of Wales, members of the armed forces and the veterans who are all over 90 years old.

Joining Mrs May will also be French president Emmanuel Macron, the German chancellor Angela Merkel as well as prime ministers from Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Belgium, Czech Republic, Greece, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Slovakia and Denmark.

Mrs May is expected to describe the landings as a 'moment of historic international cooperation' in which veterans fought for liberty and peace.

Donald Trump closes his eyes as President of Greece Prokopis Pavlopoulos speaks to his wife Melania, who grew up in Sevnica, in the Yugoslav republic of Slovenia

Donald Trump closes his eyes as President of Greece Prokopis Pavlopoulos speaks to his wife Melania, who grew up in Sevnica, in the Yugoslav republic of Slovenia

D-Day Veterans and current Armed Services personnel salute during the commemorations for the 75th Anniversary of the D-Day landings in Southsea Common,

D-Day Veterans and current Armed Services personnel salute during the commemorations for the 75th Anniversary of the D-Day landings in Southsea Common,

They were also treated to the spectacle of a guard of honour, formed of military personnel from Royal Navy, Army and RAF marching through the spectator aisles and onto the main stage

Chancellor Philip Hammond smiles and shakes hands with Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon before the event started

Chancellor Philip Hammond smiles and shakes hands with Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon before the event started

Senior Tories, Defence Secretary Penny Mordaunt, Chancellor Philip Hammond, Home Secretary Sajid Javid and a smiling Jeremy Hunt sat together on the stage

Senior Tories, Defence Secretary Penny Mordaunt, Chancellor Philip Hammond, Home Secretary Sajid Javid and a smiling Jeremy Hunt sat together on the stage

US National Security Advisor John Bolton arrived at the D-Day event ahead of the President of the Unites States

US National Security Advisor John Bolton arrived at the D-Day event ahead of the President of the Unites States

Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn (R) speaks with outgoing Liberal Democratic Patry leader Vince Cable (L) as they arrive to attend an event to commemorate the 75th anniversary

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon speaks to the SNP's Westminster leader Ian Blackford

Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn (R) speaks with outgoing Liberal Democrat leader Vince Cable (L) as they arrive to attend an event to commemorate the 75th anniversary. Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon speaks to the SNP's Westminster leader Ian Blackford

She will call for unity in western Europe, adding: 'The global challenges we face today are different in their origin and nature. But as we confront new and evolving threats to our security it is more important than ever that we continue to stand together in upholding our shared values and way of life.

'As I host leaders from around the world today to mark this significant moment in our shared history, we will together reflect on the continued importance of the western alliance for all our countries' security and prosperity.'

An hour-long production telling the story of the invasion will be played to the crowds featuring testimony from veterans before theatrical performances, live music as well as a flypast of the Red Arrows and Spitfires take place.

As part of the performance Mrs May will read a letter written by Captain Norman Skinner of the Royal Army Service Corps to his wife Gladys on 3 June 1944. The letter was in his pocket when he landed on Sword Beach on June 6 1944. He was killed the next day, leaving behind his wife and two young daughters.

Afterwards world leaders will meet to discuss the western alliance and security after a reception with veterans.

From the deck of the aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth, Mrs May and Defence Secretary Penny Mordaunt will wave off the crowds of veterans who are set to retrace the journey they made across the channel 75 years ago. This time they will be followed by a flotilla of Royal Navy vessels.

More than 4,000 personnel will be involved in D-Day events in the UK and France, in what is set to be one of the biggest mobilisations of the UK Armed Forces in recent history.

Veterans travelling on the MV Boudicca, a cruise ship chartered by the Royal British Legion to take more than 250 fellow veterans to the 75th Anniversary of D-Day commemorations, disembark in Portsmouth today

Veterans travelling on the MV Boudicca, a cruise ship chartered by the Royal British Legion to take more than 250 fellow veterans to the 75th Anniversary of D-Day commemorations, disembark in Portsmouth today

Royal Air Force personnel attend the D-Day 75 Commemorations where the political heads of the 16 countries involved gathered

Royal Air Force personnel attend the D-Day 75 Commemorations where the political heads of the 16 countries involved gathered

People waving union flags gather for an event to commemorate the 75th anniversary of D-Day, in Portsmouth

People waving union flags gather for an event to commemorate the 75th anniversary of D-Day, in Portsmouth

D-Day veteran Reg Charles, aged 96, the last surviving member of the heroic glider assault on Pegasus Bridge salutes during a memorial ceremony at the Pegasus Bridge Museum in Caen

D-Day veteran Reg Charles, aged 96, the last surviving member of the heroic glider assault on Pegasus Bridge salutes during a memorial ceremony at the Pegasus Bridge Museum in Caen

Later in the afternoon veterans Harry Read, 95, and John Hutton, 94, will parachute into Normandy in honour of comrades they lost when they first made the descent 75 years ago.

Alongside around 280 paratroopers they will take part in the jump onto fields at Sannerville - the drop zone for the 8th Midlands Parachute Battalion during D-Day.

In the evening, a vigil and silent march will take place at Pegasus Bridge which was the scene of a 15-minute skirmish to take hold of the pathways over the Caen Canal and River Orne. This was one of the first places British troops liberated on D-Day.

Last night Mr Trump hosted Prince Charlesn and Camilla at an intimate 60-person black tie dinner at the official residence of the US Ambassador, Winfield House in Regent's Park. 

In contrast to the sophisticated Palace menu which included steamed halibut and strawberry sable, - and was served with a £2,000-a-bottle Chateau Lafite - last night's fare was closer to the heart of the teetotal President with a taste for plain food: beef, potatoes, ice cream, and £30-a-bottle Californian red wine.  

Charles and Camilla were guests of the US Ambassador to the UK, Robert 'Woody' Johnson and his wife Suzanne Ircha, at their official residence for what is known as a 'return dinner' in honour of the US president.

The Trumps patiently waited outside for Charles and Camilla to arrive before they swept up in a chauffeur-driven car. Camilla looked elegant in in a white evening gown by Fiona Clare with a pretty embroidered overlay and a bejewelled necklace – a contrast to Melania's striking red cape-style £5,610 Givenchy gown and loose, dark locks.

President Trump's children also joined the dinner, Ivanka wearing a white off-the-shoulder gown and her hair in a chignon. His younger daughter, Tiffany, wore a grey full-length dress.

Prince Charles and Donald Trump gave one another warm toasts and clinked glasses at the Winfield House dinner

Prince Charles and Donald Trump gave one another warm toasts and clinked glasses at the Winfield House dinner

Mrs Trump chatted with Suzanne Ircha, wife of the US Ambassador, and Camilla before the meal. Mr Trump famously is a teetotaler who encourages his family and associates not to partake. The Duchess however was seen with a glass of wine

Mrs Trump chatted with Suzanne Ircha, wife of the US Ambassador, and Camilla before the meal. Mr Trump famously is a teetotaler who encourages his family and associates not to partake. The Duchess however was seen with a glass of wine

Camilla and Charles, and Donald and Melania Trump, photographed shortly before the dinner began inside Winfield House

Camilla and Charles, and Donald and Melania Trump, photographed shortly before the dinner began inside Winfield House

Normally the Lord Mayor of London would hold his own banquet on the second night of a state visit by a foreign leader.

But when it comes to US presidents, it has become something of a tradition for the royals to dine at the glorious 1930s Grade II-listed Winfield House in Regent's Park.

Guests at the black tie dinner dined on fresh burrata cheese with heritage tomatoes, basil, and Maldon salt; then grilled fillet of beef with pommes Anna, watercress pure, celeriac and chantenay carrots; followed by summer berries, homemade vanilla ice cream with Muscovado sugar tuile.

The setting was far more intimate than for the state banquet at Buckingham Palace on Monday night. The house's dining room was set with six tables each with around ten places.

Mr Trump sat on one table with Charles and Theresa May on either side of him. There were no speeches, unlike the previous evening, but the prince and the President both gave brief toasts.

Earlier on Tuesday, Prime Minister Theresa May gave the president a private tour of the underground bunker where Winston Churchill led the country during the Second World War. 

Mr Trump was presented with a framed typescript draft of the 1941 Atlantic Charter, agreed by president Franklin D. Roosevelt and Sir Winston, that set out their vision for the post-war world. 

Trump and First Lady Melania landed at Buckingham Palace at lunchtime after flying into Stansted in the morning following an overnight flight in Air Force One from Joint Base Andrews near Washington DC.

Hundreds of thousands of anti-Trump protesters have promised to bring London to a standstill - but they have so far failed to materialise as 20,000 police officers swamped the capital.  

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn led demonstrations in the capital today, after boycotting the State Banquet last night.  

One Donald Trump supporter was doused in milkshake by angry protesters. The semi-retired grandfather, who wishes to withhold his name, told MailOnline he was peacefully debating with 'moderate lefties' and 'having a laugh with the majority of them' before the demonstration turned violent.

Video footage from the scene shows a number of anti-Trump marchers shouting 'Nazi scum' at the Londoner before throwing the cold beverage at him.

The man then says he is 'here to stay' before throwing the cup back at protesters as one police officer attempts to stop the incident from turning into a brawl.  

Donald Trump Jr shared this shot of his father, First Lady Melania and Ivanka Trump touring the Churchill War Rooms with Theresa and Philip May

Donald Trump Jr shared this shot of his father, First Lady Melania and Ivanka Trump touring the Churchill War Rooms with Theresa and Philip May 

Ivanka, Tiffany, Donald Jr, Eric and his wife Lara were all brought along for the VIP tour of London's Imperial War Museum on the second day of the president's three-day trip in the UK

Ivanka, Tiffany, Donald Jr, Eric and his wife Lara were all brought along for the VIP tour of London's Imperial War Museum on the second day of the president's three-day trip in the UK

Pictured: Donald and Ivanka Trump with Theresa May's husband, Philip, in the Churchill War Rooms this afternoon

Pictured: Donald and Ivanka Trump with Theresa May's husband, Philip, in the Churchill War Rooms this afternoon 

The ugly scenes followed an evening of pomp and pageantry on Monday night, when the Royals hosted Trump for a State Banquet.  

The Queen granted the President the greatest honour that can be bestowed upon a visiting world leader in the ballroom of Buckingham Palace.

Both spoke of the special relationship between the US and the UK as the countries look to commemorate those who gave their lives on D-Day in World War Two. 

In front of about 170 guests, Trump thanked the monarch for her 'gracious hospitality' and 'nearly seven decades' of personal friendship with the United States.

He spoke of the Blitz and the bombing of Buckingham Palace, saying that 'in their dark hour the people of this nation showed the world what it means to be British'.

Praising the Queen a 'great, great woman', Trump recalled her service on the Home Front during the war, and said 'the bond between our nations was forever sealed in that great crusade'. He said the Queen embodied 'the spirit of dignity, duty, and patriotism that beats proudly in every British heart'.

Raising his glass the 45th President of the United States said: 'On behalf of all Americans, I offer a toast to the eternal friendship of our people, the vitality of our nations and to the long cherished and

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