King Charles fights backs tears at LGBT+ forces tribute ceremony

King Charles appeared deeply emotional as he unveiled a new memorial honouring LGBT+ military personnel who served under Britain’s former “gay ban.”

The moving ceremony, held at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, marked the monarch’s first official engagement in direct support of the LGBT+ community.

The bronze sculpture, titled “An Opened Letter,” pays tribute to those serving today and to thousands discharged or persecuted before the ban on gay service members was lifted in 2000.

Many veterans lost their careers, pensions, and family connections as a result.

The King paused solemnly as he laid flowers at the memorial before meeting veterans who endured discrimination. Former RAF serviceman Simon Hinchley-Robson, 61, said he was “in tears” after the King told him he was “proud of all of us.”

Navy veteran Roly Woods, who led the campaign for the memorial, called the day “hugely important”, adding: “Having the King here, as head of the armed forces, sets the seal on the apology.”

The 45-minute service ended with a Merlin helicopter flyover, symbolising unity and recognition for those once silenced.

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