On August 15, King Charles and Queen Camilla attended an event honoring the 80th anniversary of World War II’s end. When a speaker went “off-script” during a Victory over Japan ceremony, the king and queen were moved to tears.
Captain Yavar Abbas, 105, offered praise and comfort to the king, as the monarch fights his cancer battle. Taking the stage at the National Memorial Arboretum, the veteran apologized before offering a personal message to Charles.
A veteran paid tribute to King Charles amid his treatment for cancer
“Before I read the excerpt, I make due apologies for briefly going off the script to salute my brave King,” Captain Abbas announced, raising a hand in salute. “[Charles] is here with his beloved Queen, in spite of the fact that he’s under treatment for cancer.”
Immediately, the cameras cut to the royal couple, who were both visibly touched and emotional. Camilla even wiped away tears with a tissue. Despite being diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer last year, Charles has continued fulfilling his royal duties.
Not only a veteran but a cancer survivor, Captain Abbas added that he has been cancer-free “for 25 years and counting.” His statement invoked applause.
After offering his words of encouragement, the veteran of the 11th Sikh Regiment of the British Indian Army continued. He shared an excerpt from his war diary, which has late wife had kept, “perhaps for just such an occasion.”
“Tomorrow, I hope I will live to do better things,” he read from an entry dated February 8, 1945. “I could have been dead twice before, but I’m still living. I would be surprised if I get a life for a third time. May God spare me.”
Following the ceremony, Charles and Camilla shook hands with Captain Abbas, and the king sat and chatted with him.
Earlier this week, the palace announced the postponement of the king’s summer holiday to Balmoral Castle due to the commemorations of VJ Day.
TELL US – WAS IT APPROPRIATE FOR THE SPEAKER TO GET SO PERSONAL WITH THE KING OR WAS IT ENDEARING? DO YOU THINK CHARLES APPRECIATED IT?
