The King's message to mark the 80th anniversary of Operation Market Garden

Eighty years ago, on this very weekend, Operation Market Garden was underway in this region of the Netherlands. An ambitious joint airborne and ground forces operation designed to seize crucial bridges to enable the advance into Germany, its ultimate aim was to end the war within a matter of months.

The friendships made during those difficult days of September 1944 between the Dutch and their liberators continued after the war. I saw this for myself five years ago when, as Colonel in Chief of the Parachute Regiment, I attended the 75th anniversary commemorations. The bonds forged eight decades ago remain strong and steadfast today. The descendants of those who served together in 1944 serve together today in the defence of freedom in Europe.

Tragically, despite the endless courage of all those who served in an Operation whose renown echoes through the generations, the Netherlands had one more terrible Winter to suffer before liberation finally arrived.

Today, on this 80th anniversary, it is with a deep sense of gratitude and humility that we remember all those in the British, Allied and Commonwealth forces who served and died fighting for our freedom. Let us also remember those magnificently courageous members of the Dutch resistance and gallant civilians who endured so much during the Second World War.

We will never forget the heroism and sacrifice made by so many in the pursuit of peace and liberation. My wife joins me in sending warmest possible good wishes to all those taking part in this weekend of commemoration.

Charles R