The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall were joined by a host of political figures at Westminster Abbey for a Battle of Britain memorial service on Sunday.
Charles, dressed in full military attire, led the arrivals on Sunday morning for the annual service commemorating the remarkable victory, and loss of life, by Royal Air Force pilots and aircrew during the 1940 battle.
He was closely followed by prime minister Theresa May and lead of the opposition, Jeremy Corbyn.
During the major campaign, Winston Churchill famously commended the brave RAF crews for fending off the Luftwaffe in a speech saying: ‘Never was so much owed by so many to so few’.
The Prince of Wales, who is Patron of the Battle of Britain Fighter Association, arrives at Westminster Abbey this morning for a service of remembrance for the Battle of Britain
The annual event is regarded as occasion to mark the nation’s gratitude for the service and sacrifice of those who took part in this critical phase of World War Two.
This year’s service comes marks 77 years since the battle, regarded as a divisive turning point in the Second World War.
Charles, 69, who is Patron of the Battle of Britain Fighter Association, was flanked by clergymen as he arrived at the Abbey this morning.
The Duchess, 70, looked smart in a navy coat dress featuring elaborate ivory embroidery, and a broad-rimmed hat as she arrived at the Abbey to pay her respects.
Paying her respects: The Duchess of Cornwall looked smart in a navy coat dress featuring elaborate ivory embroidery, and a broad-rimmed hat as she arrived on Sunday morning
Clad in a grey wool suit and wearing a black broad-rimmed hat, Prime Minister Theresa May also attended the service at Westminster Abbey on Sunday morning
Mrs May’s grey jacket featured oversized bow detail around the waist, and she gave her outfit some added edge with a leather clutch bag and zip-up gloves
Leader of the Labour Party Jeremy Corbyn also joined guests at the service commemorating the victory – and loss of life – by Royal Air Force pilots and aircrew during the 1940 battle
The Duchess is seen arriving at the Abbey on Sunday. Charles was escorted into the building with his wife following closely behind
Charles looked sombre as he arrived at the Abbey on Sunday morning, flanked by clergymen, for the annual event
Sombre mood: The annual event is regarded as occasion to mark the nation’s gratitude for the service and sacrifice of those who took part in this critical phase of World War Two
It was the first major campaign to be fought entirely by air forces, and the largest and most sustained aerial bombing campaign yet. Germany needed to control the English Channel to launch an invasion of Britain.
The RAF had 1,200 planes on the eve of battle, including 800 Spitfires and Hurricanes — but only 660 of these were serviceable.