June 6th 2024 was the 80th anniversary of World War 2, D-Day.

Harry had been offered the opportunity to be a VIP guest of honour at D-Day 80th anniversary events In London, Portsmouth and the Normandy beaches. Unfortunately, at Harry‘s age of 104, travelling to and staying overnight at those locations was not something that he would have undertaken with confidence. Luckily, Harry was also invited to be a VIP Guest of Honour Veteran at the D-Day anniversary event of the N M A (National Memorial Arboretum) in Alrewas, Staffordshire. He had been to the N M A quite a few times in the last couple of years as it is only a 30 minute drive from where he lives. Earlier this year and with good foresight, the N M A asked Harry if he would like to visit them in April and be filmed and interviewed. That would allow the N M A to make Harry one of the two D-Day VIP Veterans whose stories would be included in their memorial service as films on large screens for the audience to view and listen to. Harry was very keen on doing this for them and so, on the 18th April he visited the N M A with 3 members of his family. He was taken for a tour around parts of the N M A ‘s huge memorial Gardens in one of their golf buggy type vehicles. He spent the entire trip talking to Jo, the buggy driver and guide, and hardly noticed the film crew following them around. He was then taken to a TV studio in the N M A functions building with a view over the memorial gardens being the backdrop. After a nice lunch, he was asked if he could be interviewed and filmed for half an hour. Two and a half hours later he was still chatting away and the crew had to end the interview as the N M A was an hour late closing.

So, on the 6th of June Harry, and 4 members of his family, arrived at the N M A at 11 am and were warmly welcomed. Harry was very happy to see that his guide and supporter for the day was his friend, buggy driver Jo. As a volunteer, she looked after him in a really friendly and caring way for the rest of that day. They were guided to an area where Harry, and other Veterans, were being interviewed by an assortment of invited TV and radio teams. Then Jo led them for a walk through parts of the gardens until they arrived at a large special marquee with a few circular lunch tables, some of which were already occupied. Joe guided them to the table and had great pleasure in telling Harry that Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, had asked to meet him and that was why there was empty chair next to where he sat. There was a splendid buffet within the marquee and Jo, with Harry‘s family, got him a very tasty selection of food and drink for his lunch. Just as Harry was starting his lunch, the Duchess joined them at their table. As soon as she sat down, she looked at him thoughtfully and said “I recognise you from the TV Harry”, a most unusual and unexpected opening greeting from a member of the Royal family. Duchess Sophie chatted to Harry and his son David during lunch and genuinely shared his emotions, holding his hands and whispering to him at times. As she left she tucked Harry’s hands back under his blanket and gave him a long and meaningful smile. Needless to say, Harry loved his time with her and insisted later that a photo of the 2 of them be placed on his desk at home.

After lunch, Jo took Harry and his family to their seats in the memorial service area. She had arranged for Harry to be able to stay in his comfortable wheelchair arranging a reserved spot at the end of the second row.

Jo added a second blanket to keep Harry warm as it was a “little nippy”.

Harry was seated right next to the band and directly in front of a large screen, a perfect position for him. When everyone else was seated, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh took their places and the service began. The 45 minute service included stories from various speakers including some uniformed teenage cadets who read out tales about D-Day. There were hymns for all to sing along to, religious blessings, Royal speeches and wreath laying. To Harry’s amazement and delight, in the middle of the service, all went quiet as Harry’s D-Day story was broadcast to the audience via speakers and films on the large screens. Another veterans D-Day story followed shortly afterwards. Out of pure respect the audience remained totally silent until the two stories ended and then they applauded loudly.

After the service, Jo once again took care of Harry and led him and his family back to the main cafe area at the N M A main block. She found a table for Harry and his family and organised getting them and their friends hot drinks. Harry was joined by various friends who had been at the service as invited guests or members of the public. Pastor Jill, one of Harry‘s best friends, had been involved in an earlier N M A service at 11 am for her dedicated group of Veterans. Harry’s son David, spent most of this period borrowing tables and chairs from other parts of the cafe and extending their little 8 seater into a 30 seater table.

“Happy Harry” headed home about 4pm having had a “memorable and meaningful day”.