LONDON — Indignant British veterans and outraged commentators complained Wednesday over the omission of Queen Elizabeth II from the guest list for next week’s ceremonies to mark the 65th anniversary of the D-Day landings in France.
Britain played a key role in the Normandy naval landings, which accelerated the liberation of Europe from Germany. Prime Minister Gordon Brown will be there for the anniversary ceremonies, as will President Barack Obama.
But the queen, Britain’s head of state, apparently won’t be. Neither she nor any member of the royal family was invited to attend the June 6 ceremony at the American Cemetery overlooking Omaha Beach, a Buckingham Palace spokesman said while speaking on condition of anonymity.
Reaction to the omission of the queen has been fast and furious.
“I’m really upset by it,” said Brian Swift, 83, a former royal engineer and D-Day veteran who is going to next week’s ceremony. “It’s a great shame. She likes being with her veterans, and we like having her there.”
The dispute reinforces the view held by many Britons that the French do not fully appreciate the role Britain played in ousting the Nazis.
