PRINCE’S TRIBUTE
The Prince of Wales lays a wreath during VE Day commemorations in Parc Tete d’Or, Lyon, as part of a visit to France. The Prince laid the tribute at the grand monument to mark 73 years since the end of the Second World War in Europe.
THE PRINCE of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall have commemorated VE Day by laying a wreath at a ceremony in Lyon.
Charles and Camilla were greeted by Georges Kepenekian, mayor of Lyon, and David Kimelfeld, president of the Lyon Metropolitan Area, when they arrived at a monument in Parc Tete d’Or.
The Prince yesterday laid a wreath at the foot of the grand monument, which was flanked by flag bearers, to mark 73 years since the end of the Second World War in Europe.
The couple joined hundreds of guests, including veterans, school children and members of the public, who were invited to attend yesterday’s ceremony.
They were greeted by a fanfare as they approached the memorial – a flame positioned in front of a grand stone monument depicting men carrying a coffin.
The guests remained silent as groups took turns to lay flowers on the ground, including a schoolgirl who gently put down a single flower.
The ceremony concluded with a brass band and choir performing the national anthems of the allies in the Second World War. Army personnel saluted throughout the anthems as Charles and Camilla listened in silence.
The couple moved on to meet veterans and schoolchildren who participated in the ceremony – as well as members of the public who were invited to attend.
Every year, a large number of ex-combatants and resistance members are invited to attend the VE Day ceremony.
Later, the Royal couple visited Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse food market to celebrate the city’s food and viticulture.
The couple were first taken to a cookery demonstration in which a chef showed them how the speciality fish quenelle is made.
Charles asked “is this a curry?” and jokingly made a grimace while wobbling his hand. The Royal couple then jointly moved on to various other stalls, where they tasted cheese, meat and wine.
The guests were silent as groups took turns to lay flowers. A description of the ceremony in Lyon yesterday.