On June 5, 2024, British paratroopers, alongside US and Belgian troops, parachuted into Sannerville for the 80th anniversary of D-Day. The symbolic reenactment included a surprise immigration check for the UK soldiers upon landing, a departure from the usual commemorative procedures.
On June 5, 2024, approximately 400 British paratroopers, along with troops from the United States and Belgium, parachuted into Sannerville, Normandy, as part of the 80th anniversary commemoration of D-Day. This event symbolically reenacted one of the earliest operations of the original D-Day landings during World War II.
Upon landing, British paratroopers were required to present their passports to French immigration officials, a procedure not experienced before at this commemorative event. This brief immigration check, while routine for military exercises abroad, was unusual during a public commemoration. US troops had completed their checks upon departure from France, and Belgian troops, as EU citizens, did not require additional checks.
French immigration official Jonathan Monti explained that the setup was special for welcoming UK soldiers. The checks, though brief, were carried out in the presence of cheering spectators.
On June 6, King Charles and Queen Camilla attended the official commemoration ceremonies in Normandy. Queen Camilla, dressed in a white morning coat and matching hat, shared a touching moment with a young girl, while French President Emmanuel Macron captured the moment on camera.
The King and Queen led the UK’s national commemorative event at the British Normandy Memorial in Ver-sur-Mer, attended by Prince William and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Labour leader Keir Starmer also paid tribute to the fallen.
The event honored the more than 22,000 service personnel who perished on D-Day and the ensuing Battle of Normandy, reflecting on the sacrifices made 80 years ago.
