Queen's personal connection to wartime generation makes poignant tribute
This was always going to be a poignant day for the Queen.
Taking pride of place, surrounded by over a dozen heads of state and prime ministers at the commemorative event on Southsea Common, where thousands of men gathered 75 years ago ready to embark on the D-Day landings with no guarantee that they would come home.
Her Majesty is the only one of those world leaders who remembers first hand the enormity of the bravery and sacrifice of those who were sent to the beaches in Normandy.
Princess Elizabeth was 18 at the time. Reminding the audience of her own personal connection she recalled a speech that her father King George VI gave at the time in which he said: "What is demanded from us all is something more than courage and endurance; we need a revival of spirit, a new unconquerable resolve..."
Seven decades on the Queen added to her father's tribute, saying: "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."
But she was also speaking up for her generation. The no nonsense humility displayed by many of the veterans, echoed in her own words, as she said: "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."
It has been a week when the monarch has displayed her own dedication to her country as she, more than anyone else, set the tone for Donald Trump's state visit.
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Again in Portsmouth sitting alongside her, the president was in his element, oozing an air of deference and respect. It's hard to think of any other world leader that could have the same effect on this outspoken president.
Yes there has been controversy over Trump's comments about the NHS, Jeremy Corbyn, Sadiq Khan, who will replace Theresa May, and even what he thinks about the Duchess of Sussex, but he has appeared toned down in his approach.
Whatever you think of the Royal family, the Queen, supported by her relatives has helped to maintain a display of business as usual, against a backdrop of considerable political uncertainty.
A week where the 93-year-old sovereign has shown her own personal resilience and stamina in abundance.
