Sgt Donald C Todd/ UK MOD © Crown copyright 2023

King Charles III has praised military past and present on his first Armed Forces Day as Commander-in-Chief.

In a message sent on behalf of himself and Queen Camilla, His Majesty spoke of the ”immense and dedicated contribution of our military both at home and overseas.”

King Charles also highlighted the lifelong service of many, saying ”we remember, with gratitude, the countless veterans who continue to support the ethos of the Armed Forces, long after they leave the Service.”

Armed Forces Day takes place in June every year to mark the service of military personnel with special events taking place around the UK. It is marked on June 24th in 2023.

The King’s full message reads:

”The Queen and I join many around the United Kingdom in celebrating Armed Forces Day, recognising the immense and dedicated contribution of our military both at home and overseas.

Today provides a particularly valuable opportunity to acknowledge publicly the selfless service and sacrifice made each day by our Armed Forces personnel to keep this nation safe.  We also remember, with gratitude, the countless veterans who continue to support the ethos of the Armed Forces long after they leave the Service.

Having trained, and served, in both the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force, and having had such close affiliations over the course of the last forty-seven years as Colonel or Colonel-in-Chief of multiple regiments within the British Army, I know only too well of the deep pride our service personnel take in their duty, so superbly shown during our recent Coronation.

As your Commander-in-Chief, I send my warmest good wishes to you all, your families, and the entire Armed Forces community on this special day.

CHARLES R