Queen pays tribute to past and present servicemen and women on Armed Forces Day

The event is held annually in June for the country to show its support for veterans, service families, cadets and those still serving.

The Queen has hailed servicemen and women as a “source of inspiration, reassurance and pride” for the nation in a video message marking Armed Forces Day.

In the rare national statement, Camilla paid tribute to the efforts of the military, in the face of “challenges and dangers” that not only safeguard the UK “but also defend liberties way beyond these shores”.

Camilla’s message also reflected her personal association with the Armed Forces, as she described herself as the “proud daughter of an Army officer” and wore her Royal Lancers brooch – her late father’s regiment and the military unit she serves as Colonel in Chief.

A new photograph of the King in military uniform has been released on Armed Forces Day, held annually on the last Saturday of June for the country to show its support for veterans, service families, cadets and those still serving.

In her video Camilla thanked the men and women of the Armed Forces for “everything you do to protect this country of ours” and remembered those who made the “ultimate sacrifice” in the pursuit of world peace.