Latest news with #DdayVeteran
Sky News
09-06-2025
- Politics
- Sky News
King greets 'amazing' D-Day veteran - and tells him 'keep drinking the whisky'
The King called a 101-year-old D-Day veteran "amazing" in his latest public appearance - and told him to "keep drinking the whisky". The monarch attended a reception at Lancaster Castle on Monday, where he met Richard Brock and remembered him from a visit to Normandy last May for the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings. After asking about the veteran's age, the King said "you are fantastic", and told him as he left: "Keep drinking the whisky." Mr Brock, who served with the East Lancashire Regiment, said the King "just told me I was amazing for my age", while his son Tony Brock, who attended the reception with him, added: "He mentioned a nip of whisky and said to keep taking it." The King took part in a ceremony of keys outside the castle, a tradition which dates back to 1851 when the keys were presented to Queen Victoria and in which Queen Elizabeth II participated in 2015. Charles had arrived at the castle just before 11am to a crowd of well-wishers, and some anti-monarchy protesters who could be heard chanting "not my king" as he left his vehicle. The republican group held a yellow banner which said "abolish the Monarchy" as well as signs saying "ditch the Duchies". Inside the grounds of the castle, which was a prison until 2011, the monarch spoke to soldiers on guard, school children and local business owners who were showcasing their work. He told Gillian Hale, from Butlers' Farmhouse Cheeses, of his love for cheese, particularly sheep's cheese on a digestive biscuit. He smelled some of the cheeses the businesswoman had on display but did not taste any. Kate Makin, of Northern Yarn, who gave him a neck tie and some gloves for the Queen, said: "He was really interested in the regenerative farming and the local wools we use." Another who attended was Lancashire County Council leader Stephen Atkinson, who was elected last month when Reform UK took control of the authority. Mr Atkinson said the King asked about his business and how he was managing, since he took on the role of local authority leader. As he left the castle, the King greeted more wellwishers waiting outside including Joan Hardcastle, 103, and Barbara Graham, 93, who had come with staff and two other residents from Laurel Bank Care Home. Mrs Hardcastle held a framed photograph of Charles presenting her with her MBE for voluntary services 40 years ago. She got to shake the King's hand as he left the castle and said afterwards he had not changed. She said: "I've seen him several times since. He was fine when I met him, very chatty." Lyndsay Scott, a care home manager, said: "It was Barbara's idea to come. We got here at 9am, we've had flasks of tea and croissants." It comes after the King, who has been undergoing treatment for cancer, said during a visit to Canada last month that the Commonwealth country would remain "strong and free", as he became only the second monarch after his mother Queen Elizabeth II to set out the Canadian government's legislative agenda.
The Independent
09-06-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
King Charles urges D-Day veteran, 101, to ‘keep drinking whisky'
King Charles III has lauded a 101-year-old D-Day veteran as "amazing" and humorously advised him to "keep drinking the whisky" during a recent visit to Lancashire. The monarch met Richard Brock, who served in the D-Day landings, at a reception held at Lancaster Castle on Monday. The King recognised Mr. Brock from a previous encounter in Normandy last year. Upon learning Mr. Brock's age, Charles exclaimed, "You are fantastic." As he departed, the King added with a smile, "Keep drinking the whisky." Mr. Brock, who served with the East Lancashire Regiment, recounted the King's words: "He just told me I was amazing for my age." His son, Tony Brock, who accompanied him to the reception, added, "He mentioned a nip of whisky and said to keep taking it." Charles arrived at the castle shortly before 11am, where he was greeted by enthusiastic crowds waving Union flags, some of whom had been waiting since 5 a.m. to catch a glimpse of the King. Anti-monarchy protesters were also awaiting his arrival and could be heard chanting 'Not my king' as he left his vehicle. The group had a yellow banner which said 'Abolish the Monarchy' and held signs saying 'Not my King' and 'Ditch the Duchies'. Among those keen to see the King were friends Joan Hardcastle, 103, and Barbara Graham, 93, who had come with staff and two other residents from Laurel Bank Care Home. Mrs Hardcastle held a framed photograph of Charles presenting her with her MBE for voluntary services 40 years ago. She said: 'I've seen him several times since. He was fine when I met him, very chatty.' Care home manager Lyndsay Scott said: 'It was Barbara's idea to come. We got here at 9am, we've had flasks of tea and croissants.' Charles took part in a ceremony of keys outside the castle, a tradition which dates back to 1851 when the keys were presented to Queen Victoria and which Queen Elizabeth II participated in in 2015. Once inside the grounds of the castle, which was a prison until 2011, the King met local business owners who were showcasing their work. He expressed his love of cheese, telling Gillian Hale, from Butlers' Farmhouse Cheeses, he loved sheep's cheese on a digestive biscuit. He smelt some of the cheeses she had on display but did not taste any. She said: 'We're going to send some to him later in a goody bag. He was so gracious.' The King was also gifted a neck tie and some gloves for the Queen from Northern Yarn. Business owner Kate Makin said: 'He was really interested in the regenerative farming and the local wools we use.' Lancashire County Council leader Stephen Atkinson, who was elected last month when Reform UK took control of the authority, spoke to the King about his new role. Mr Atkinson said: 'He asked about my business and how I'm managing now, whether my job is full time.' A Fijian choir formed from the First Battalion of The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment – made up of serving Fijian Kingsmen, veterans and their family members – performed for the King, who told them he was sad not to have been able to visit the country last year. He said: 'They wouldn't let me go, I was desperate to go there.'
