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The Duke of Sussex and the Duke of Cambridge have paid tribute to the heroes of D-Day at commemorations in Britain. 

Prince Harry, 34, attended the annual Founder's Day parade at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, London, where he met Chelsea Pensioners including D-Day veterans.

In a short speech, Harry praised the spirit of the red-coated veterans and acknowledged their sacrifice, saying: 'On this 75th Anniversary of D-Day, I can comfortably speak for everyone when I say we are honoured to be in the presence of six Normandy Landing veterans.'

Meanwhile Prince William, 36, marked the occasion by delivering the D-Day address made by his great-grandfather George VI on the day of the 1944 invasion. 

In the speech at the National Memorial Arboretum, Staffordshire, William echoed the King's words recognising the sacrifice made by Britons. He said: 'At this historic moment surely not one of us is too busy, too young, or too old to play a part in a nationwide, perchance a world-wide vigil of prayer as the great crusade sets forth.'

The address was made to a crowd of uniformed veterans and military personnel after he laid a poppy wreath at the Normandy Campaign Memorial. 

The brothers, who both served in the Armed Forces, are leading the 75th anniversary services in the UK while their father Prince Charles, 70, joins world leaders for events in Normandy. 

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Prince Harry, 34, donned military uniform to attend Founder's Day at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, in London, where he met D-Day veterans and Chelsea Pensioners. The royal spent time chatting to Chelsea Pensioners, pictured

The Duke of Sussex represented the Royal Family at the event, which marks the founding of the Royal Hospital Chelsea. This year it coincides with the 75th anniversary of D-Day, and veterans who served in the Normandy landings are taking part 

Prince William, 36, delivered the same D-Day address made by his great-grandfather George VI on the day of the 1944 invasion as he led a service at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire 

The Duke of Cambridge holds a poppy wreath before laying it at the Normandy Campaign Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum today, left. Right, the Prince takes a moment to reflect during proceedings

Prince William laid a wreath at the Normandy Campaign Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum today 

The Duke of Cambridge spoke to veterans and their family members on his way out of the National Memorial Arboretum

'A supreme test has to be faced': George VI's speech delivered on D-Day - and spoken by William today

King George VI, pictured, the Queen's father, delivered a rousing speech to the nation on D-Day. His words were repeated by great-grandson Prince William at the 75th anniversary event today

Four years ago, our Nation and Empire stood alone against an overwhelming enemy, with our backs to the wall. Tested as never before in our history, in God's providence we survived that test; the spirit of the people, resolute, dedicated, burned like a bright flame, lit surely from those unseen fires which nothing can quench.

Now once more a supreme test has to be faced. This time, the challenge is not to fight to survive but to fight to win the final victory for the good cause. Once again what is demanded from us all is something more than courage and endurance; we need a revival of spirit, a new unconquerable resolve. After nearly five years of toil and suffering, we must renew that crusading impulse on which we entered the war and met its darkest hour. We and our Allies are sure that our fight is against evil and for a world in which goodness and honour may be the foundation of the life of men in every land.

That we may be worthily matched with this new summons of destiny, I desire solemnly to call my people to prayer and dedication. We are not unmindful of our own shortcomings, past and present. We shall ask not that God may do our will, but that we may be enabled to do the will of God: and we dare to believe that God has used our Nation and Empire as an instrument for fulfilling his high purpose.

I hope that throughout the present crisis of the liberation of Europe there may be offered up earnest, continuous and widespread prayer. We who remain in this land can most effectively enter into the sufferings of subjugated Europe by prayer, whereby we can fortify the determination of our sailors, soldiers and airmen who go forth to set the captives free.

The Queen joins with me in sending you this message. She well understands the anxieties and cares of our womenfolk at this time and she knows that many of them will find, as she does herself, fresh strength and comfort in such waiting upon God. She feels that many women will be glad in this way to keep vigil with their menfolk as they man the ships, storm the beaches and fill the skies.

At this historic moment surely not one of us is too busy, too young or too old to play a part in a nationwide, perchance a worldwide, vigil of prayer as the great crusade sets forth. If from every place of worship, from home and factory, from men and women of all ages and many races and occupations, our intercessions rise, then, please God, both now and in a future not remote, the predictions of an ancient Psalm may be fulfilled: 'The Lord will give strength unto his people: the Lord will give his people the blessing of peace.'

Prince Harry was at the Royal Hospital Chelsea to review its legendary scarlet-coat wearing residents on their annual Founder's Day Parade, which commemorates King Charles II founding the institution in 1681. 

It is the nation's most famous retirement and nursing home for servicemen and women and currently houses some 300 veterans.

The prince said: 'I think we should all be incredibly proud and grateful knowing that 46 of you here fought in the Second World War; many of you in other conflicts including Korea, Malaya, Borneo and that the 'youngsters' among you wear Northern Ireland, South Atlantic and First Gulf War Medals with pride.

'On this 75th Anniversary of D-Day, I can comfortably speak for everyone when I say we are honoured to be in the presence of six Normandy Landing veterans.

'To all who are on parade today, I can only say that you are a constant reminder of the great debt we owe those who have served this nation.

'You embody the fitting home that awaits them in the peace and tranquillity of the Royal Hospital, should they want it.

'But more widely, wherever you are, your presence is a symbol of the sacrifices that have been made by all veterans to sustain the freedoms and democracy we value so deeply today.'

The prince, wearing the ceremonial frock coat of his former regiment, The Blues and Royals, looked delighted to be in the company of so many distinguished men and women. 

The prince, wearing the ceremonial frock coat of his former regiment, The Blues and Royals, looked delighted to be in the company of so many distinguished men and women

Prince Harry was at the Royal Hospital Chelsea to review its legendary scarlet-coat wearing residents on their annual Founder's Day Parade, which commemorates King Charles II founding the institution in 1681

The Duke of Sussex smiled as he shook hands with a Chelsea Pensioner at the Royal Hospital Chelsea in London

The Duke of Sussex joined the Chelsea Pensioners for the annual Founder's Day event at the Royal Hospital Chelsea

The Duke of Sussex reviews the Chelsea Pensioners at the annual Founder's Day Parade at the Royal Hospital Chelsea. A group of guests were invited to observe the spectacle, pictured

Prince Harry, 34, bantered with military veterans and staff as he made his way down a line-up in the hospital, pictured

The Duke of Sussex also stopped to chat to Keith 'Fred' Brunger, 91, a resident of the home for 14 years, who was making Royal British Legion poppies. The royal was impressed by how easily the poppies could be made

After the poppy was made, a member of hospital staff joked it had immediately become their 'most famous poppy' 

'You're seriously good fun to be around!' Prince Harry's light-hearted message to Chelsea Pensioners on D-Day

The Duke of Sussex paid tribute to the Chelsea Pensioners and acknowledged the 75th anniversary of D-Day 

I am honoured to be at the Royal Hospital today as your reviewing officer once again, on this the 75th Anniversary of D-Day.

Not only is today a prominent historical occasion, it is also a special day in the Royal Hospital calendar - bringing together families, old friends and the chance to make new ones.

Both your founder King Charles II, and Sir Christopher Wren himself would be delighted to know that the institution which opened its doors to the first Pensioners over 325 years ago, continues to fulfil its original purpose of giving exceptional care to soldiers in retirement.

They'd also be amused to hear about the late night cricket in the hallways! Much less the serenading by Colin, who I am told is Royal Variety standard, but let's assume they haven't seen your synchronised buggy drill quite yet!

Now I stand here before you to not only acknowledge the incredible contribution you have made to this nation but to acknowledge that you, my friends, are also seriously good fun to be around!

You will always stand out in your scarlet coats and white gloves, but to me, whether I see you at Westminster Abbey, the Chelsea Flower Show, Twickenham Stadium, or the pub, I notice that you are always smiling.

Don't ever underestimate the joy that you bring to everyone you meet. You represent something really quite special, you are special, and society will always recognise that. That is an important part of your legacy.

Here, I see a community that continues to value the importance of teamwork which military service in particular can teach you.

It's a community that focuses on supporting each other with kindness, respect and compassion, as well as reaching out to serve the wider community.

I have just visited the infirmary and seen the excellent facilities and care being provided to those pensioners who are unable to be on parade here today. No doubt they're watching from the windows cheering you all on.

I think we should all be incredibly proud and grateful knowing that 46 of you here fought in the Second World War; many of you in other conflicts including Korea, Malaya, Borneo and that the 'youngsters' among you wear Northern Ireland, South Atlantic and First Gulf War Medals with pride.

On this 75th Anniversary of D-Day, I can comfortably speak for everyone when I say we are honoured to be in the presence of six Normandy Landing veterans.

To all who are on parade today, I can only say that you are a constant reminder of the great debt we owe those who have served this nation.

You embody the fitting home that awaits them in the peace and tranquillity of the Royal Hospital, should they want it.

But more widely, wherever you are, your presence is a symbol of the sacrifices that have been made by all veterans to sustain the freedoms and democracy we value so deeply today.

Ladies and Gentleman, could I ask that those who are able to, please stand in recognition of our veterans. We stand together and remember those who have sacrificed their lives for our freedom.

And for you here today, who have served us so greatly and with such honour, I congratulate you on the smartness of your turnout and the steadiness of your bearing. I thank you for inviting me here today and I wish you all the health and happiness you so richly deserve.

As he arrived at the home there was time to meet some of the pensioners in their home surroundings - and enjoy a bit of forces 'banter'. Among those he met were a group of men who take part in music therapy classes.

'Do they behave themselves? ' Harry asked. Told yes, he laughed and remarked: 'Not all the time? Who's the naughtiest?' He then pointed at George Stevenson, 88, from the Queen's Royal Regiment, whose, hand he had shaken earlier. 

'Him, surely?' It's true, isn't it? Activities and volunteers co-ordination, Ellie Bourdilion-Miller interjected: 'This one had his "I'm the best grandad" socks on until two minutes ago. He's the naughtiest.' 

'Why did you change your socks?,' enquired Harry. 'Because you came!,' whipped back George. 

'What!,' exclaimed Harry. 'They wouldn't let me stay [otherwise]!,' George added. Mr Stevenson, 88, originally from the Isle of Man, said afterwards that it had been a 'pleasure' to meet the prince. 'He's one of us,' he said proudly. 

Harry also introduced himself to Cedric 'Frank' Swift, 90, who asked by the prince how he was. 'Not very well - I can't walk!', he roared, making the royal visitor guffaw with laughter. 

The Duke of Sussex praised the spirit of the Chelsea Pensioners as he met them at the Royal Hospital Chelsea today

Prince Harry joined Pensioners in wearing a sprig of oak leaves (as seen left and right) in honour of Charles II, who hid under an oak tree to avoid being captured by Parliamentary forces after the Battle of Worcester in 1651

The prince acknowledged the 75th anniversary of D-Day while also celebrating the Pensioners at the Royal Hospital Chelsea

Prince Harry, 34, arrived wearing his Blues and Royals frock coat for the annual Founder's Day parade at the Royal Hospital Chelsea. Right, the prince reviews the parade

Harry saluted the Chelsea Pensioners as they took part in the annual Founder's Day parade at the Royal Hospital Chelsea

The royal said he was 'honoured' to be the reviewing officer at the Royal Hospital Chelsea for the Founder's Day parade

The Royal Hospital Chelsea Founder's Day celebration is held annually. This year the prince also used the opportunity to pay tribute to those who fought in the D-Day landings. There were six D-Day veterans present at the event today

He also stopped to chat to Keith 'Fred' Brunger, 91, a resident of the home for 14 years, who was making Royal British Legion poppies.

Harry helped the former solider with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers make one of his flowers using a simple round wooden instrument.

'I asked him if he would like to make one and he did,' he said and was particularly impressed that the prince politely took one glove off to do it.

On the parade ground, Harry stood and saluted and groups of the the smartly uniformed pensioners either walked or drove past on their identical red electric scooters.

They included Britain's Got Talent winner Colin Thackery, 89, who last week won the ITV talent show's £250,000 prize and a spot performing in front of the Queen at the Royal Variety Performance.    

Prince Harry shared a light-hearted moment with some of the Chelsea Pensioners at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, pictured

Chelsea Pensioners turned out in their military finery to meet the prince, pictured, and shook his hand as he past

In his speech, Prince Harry spoke of the fun and frivolity enjoyed by the Chelsea Pensioners, saying they are 'seriously good fun to be around'. Pictured, the royal, 34, sharing a light-hearted moment with one of the Pensioners present

He then encouraged those fit enough to stand in recognition of the veterans and 'those who have sacrificed their lives for our freedom'. 

Among those he spoke to was Ernest Boyden, 94, originally from Brixton, who was wireless operator with the Royal Horse Artillery and took part in the Normandy Landings. He was shot in the right arm during the conflict.

He said afterwards: 'it was a strange feeling at the time. I feel very proud now, of course. The point of it was so that you younger people could enjoy life.'

With typical modesty, when asked about the Queen's comment that theirs was a 'resilient' generation, he said: 'I think all generations are resilient when the time comes. I wouldn't single us out. Remember World War One. What they went thorough was dreadful. The Russians lost 26 million men. Terrible. [But] the tributes yesterday were amazing I thought. Very moving. '

He was keen to highlight the work of the intelligence services, including those at Bletchley Park, whose information proved crucial to the war effort. 

The Duke of Sussex remained in the UK to mark the important event at the Royal Hospital Chelsea while his father went to France

Harry smiled as he spoke to one Chelsea Pensioner who had taken a seat during proceedings at the Royal Hospital Chelsea

A small crowd gathered to watch the annual parade at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, which was reviewed by Prince Harry

The Duke of Sussex wished the Chelsea Pensioners 'all the health and happiness you so richly deserve' during his speech at the Royal Hospital Chelsea. Pictured, the royal arriving for the event today

The Chelsea Pensioners at the annual Founder's Day parade at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, which was attended by Harry

'If it wasn't for Bletchley Park and Alan Turing then the war would have been delayed by seven years. The planning was immaculate. How on earth we did it, I don't know. But we did. Our intelligence was superb,' he said.

Mr Boyden, who arrived in France three days after D-Day, said he believed it was 'fitting' to have US President Donald Trump present at the commemorations. 'Obviously we received tremendous help from the Americans and it was entirely appropriate that the President should be there.' 

He said he was pleased that the prince had been present today, saying: 'He's very welcome. He's very popular, of course. He has got the common touch, which is great. And a former soldier who served in Afghanistan. The Royal Family are a military family.' 

Meanwhile in Staffordshire William laid a wreath at the Normandy Campaign Memorial, along with dignitaries and veterans.

A personal message from the Duke of Cambridge, attached to the poppy wreath, read: 'In memory of all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. We will remember them. William.'

He also met some of those who served in the D-Day landings. 

Among those attending is 100-year-old Pixie Jenkins, a former Wren in the Women's Royal Naval Service. 

The Duke of Cambridge arriving the National Memorial Arboretum, in Staffordshire, for today's D-Day commemoration

Prince William spoke at the commemorations at the National Memorial Arboretum, and paid tribute to those who served

The Duke of Cambridge spent a moment in silent contemplation as he prepared to lay the wreath at the Normandy Campaign Memorial

Military personnel and veterans looked on as Prince William laid a wreath at the memorial to those who served at D-Day

Veterans also stepped forward to lay wreaths at the Staffordshire memorial in recognition of the fallen D-Day heroes

The commemorative service struck an emotional chord and one man was seen wiping a tear from his eye

After laying the wreath at the Normandy Memorial, William headed inside to meet veterans at a lunch reception 

Prince William speaks to Jack Cunnane, 95, from Bury, Greater Manchester, who made the trip for the D-Day event today

The royal was introduced to a number of veterans who served in the D-Day Landings at the National Memorial Arboretum

The Duke of Cambridge speaks with Victor Brunt and Nelpah Flanigan as he meets veterans at the commemorations today

In 1944, Mrs Jenkins helped drive troops and equipment to Newhaven Docks in East Sussex in the build-up to D-Day and throughout the Normandy landings.

The centenarian, from Aldridge, near Walsall, West Midlands, is among a handful of veterans who have been able to travel to the special service in Staffordshire.

Reflecting on the anniversary, she said: 'I think the men that went over were wonderful and I hope the younger people today realise how fortunate they are to have people like that.

'I think so many youngsters today have forgotten about the men. They look at them and think, 'They're old men now' - to them they're just old men. And they're not, they are wonderful, wonderful men that went over. I salute them all.'

It is one of a number of commemorative events being held across France and the UK.  

Meanwhile their father Prince Charles has joined world leaders for a day of remembrance in Normandy.  

Also at Bayeux Cathedral were Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, Defence Secretary Penny Mordaunt, Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry, as well as senior staff from the Army, Navy and Royal Air Force. 

Veterans and guests arrive at The National Memorial Arboretum ahead of the commemoration

Proud in uniform, veterans and guests arrive for the commemoration in Staffordshire today

Guests sat in respectful silence as Prince William arrived to deliver his speech marking D-Day

The Duke of Cambridge attended the service in at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire today, pictured, without his wife the Duchess of Cambridge

The royal, who served in the RAF, wore his military medals pinned to his suit jacket 

imeon Mayou, 96, who was awarded the Legion D'Honour medal shows his photo album as veterans and guests arrive at The National Memorial Arboretum

Veterans and guests chatted as they gathered ahead of the commemorations at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire this morning

Veterans and guests at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, where Prince William spoke this morning

The Duke of Cambridge left the National Memorial Arboretum after attending the commemorations this morning