Today, June 6th, is the 65th anniversary of the D-Day landings. It marks the moment in the second world war when the allied forces launched the largest amphibious invasion in military history. They were killed in their thousands but began the liberation of Europe from Nazi tyranny and laid the foundations for the 65 years of peace and prosperity the world has enjoyed since.
The immense debt of gratitude we all owe them was, in part, repaid with a memorial service in Normandy, France. The heads of state of all the countries that took part were in attendance with one notable exception. The Queen of England was not there despite being the only sitting head of state who actually served during the second world war. The exact reasons for her absence are a little murky, wrapped up in the rather pointless mysteries of Royal Protocol. Here in Britain we've decided to explain the Queens absence using our default diplomatic position;
If in doubt, blame the French!
Officially French President Sarkozy failed to invite the Queen so she couldn't possibly just turn up or ask to be invited. By the time someone had pointed out their mistake to the French and they finally extended an invitation decided it was far too late for her to organise an official visit and dispatched her son, Prince Charles, to attend in her absence.
It's only today that I've just realised that the D-Day anniversary coincides with the Epsom Derby, the most prestigious flat race in the British horse racing calender. It's almost as it the Queen, being a huge horse racing fan, decided to bunk of a stressful memorial service so she could sit at home with her feet up watching the Derby.
Well I suppose she is in her 80's and is part of the greatest generation we're supposed to be honouring so she should be allowed to spend the day as she wants. Especially as it was a little bit careless to hold the European elections over the D-Day weekend.
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