British Leader Apologizes for Leaving D-Day Commemoration Early
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson apologized on Tuesday for leaving a D-Day commemoration ceremony early, saying he had been suffering from a “bit of a cold.”
Johnson left the ceremony in Portsmouth, England, on Monday after about an hour, before the event’s main speeches, including one by U.S. President Donald Trump.
“I’m sorry I didn’t stay longer yesterday,” Johnson said in a statement. “I was suffering from a bit of a cold and I had a very early start this morning to travel to Normandy.”
Johnson’s office said he had a “full schedule” in France on Tuesday, including a visit to the American cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer, where he was expected to lay a wreath.
Johnson’s departure from the ceremony in Portsmouth was criticized by some British media outlets, which said he had snubbed the event.
The prime minister’s office said Johnson had been due to speak at the ceremony but was told by organizers that he would not be given a speaking slot.
Johnson’s office said he had been invited to speak at the ceremony by the organizers, but that he was told he would not be given a speaking slot.
“The prime minister was invited to speak at the ceremony but was told he would not be given a speaking slot,” a spokesman for Johnson said. “He was therefore unable to speak at the ceremony.”
Johnson’s office said the prime minister had a “full schedule” in France on Tuesday, including a visit to the American cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer, where he was expected to lay a wreath.
Johnson’s office said the prime minister had a “full schedule” in France on Tuesday, including a visit to the American cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer, where he was expected to lay a wreath.
Johnson’s office said the prime minister had a “full schedule” in France on Tuesday, including a visit to the American cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer, where he was expected to lay a wreath.