UK premier apologizes after leaving D-Day commemorations early

By Burak Bir

LONDON (AA) - The British prime minister on Friday apologized for skipping international D-Day ceremony in France and traveling back to the UK for a TV interview.

"The last thing I want is for the commemorations to be overshadowed by politics," Rishi Sunak wrote on X, referring to his early leaving from the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings ceremony in France.

Sunak had sparked backlash after skipping a major international ceremony in order for an ITV interview on the forthcoming general elections on July 4.

The British premier said he cared "deeply" about veterans and was honored to represent the UK at a number of events in Portsmouth and France over the past two days and to meet those who fought so bravely.

"After the conclusion of the British event in Normandy, I returned back to the UK. On reflection, it was a mistake not to stay in France longer – and I apologise," Sunak said.

A series of events took place on Wednesday in the UK and France to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day.