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The Allies Prepare

Eighty years after the order was given for the Normandy landings, TM the King and Queen and HRH the Prince of Wales will welcome our D-Day veterans and pay tribute to all those involved in this enormous endeavour. From an iconic setting overlooking the coastline of Portsmouth, we will tell the story of the build-up and preparations for D-Day. Hosted by Dame Helen Mirren, this specially curated programme capturing the spirit of a pivotal moment in history will feature powerful spoken word testimony, live music and performance.\n\nThis unique event will reveal how the Allies came together to launch the largest ever naval, air and land operation, changing the course of World War II. Breathtaking in scale and overwhelming in complexity, it led to the liberation of Europe and the eventual fall of Hitler’s Nazi regime.\n\nThis national commemoration will pay tribute to the extraordinary bravery and achievements of our D-Day veterans, honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice, and recognise the invaluable work of those on the home front who helped make the Normandy landings possible. Hearing from the men and women who took part in the campaign, we will reflect on the great challenges that had to be overcome and how a commitment to serving their country, and those they fought alongside, sustained our veterans through battle.\n\nPresented by Anita Rani, with reporter JJ Chalmers. The broadcast also has accessible commentary for the blind and partially sighted, provided by Petroc Trelawny.

Source: BBC 1