D-Day portraits commissioned by Prince Charles to go on display

The paintings of D-Day veterans will form part of an exhibit called 'The Last Of The Tide'. Credit: Anthony Devlin / PA Wire/PA Images

A series of paintings to commemorate veterans who took part in the D-Day landings are set to go on display at the Queen's Gallery in Buckingham Palace - 71 years to the day Allied troops launched the invasion of mainland Europe on June 6, 1944.

The portraits, which show the former servicemen proudly wearing their medals, were commissioned by Prince Charles.

The Prince of Wales said the paintings captured the "spirit, resolve, warmth and humanity" of those who fought in the D-Day campaign.

Prince Charles said the paintings captured the 'spirit and resolve' of the D-Day veterans. Credit: Anthony Devlin / PA Wire/PA Images

Charles decided to commission the portraits after attending the 70th anniversary D-Day commemorations in Normandy last summer, to ensure an artistic record remained of those who fought during the campaign to liberate Europe from Hitler.

On June 6 1944, 71 years ago, allied troops landed in Normandy to liberate Europe from Hitler. Credit: Anthony Devlin / PA Wire/PA Images

Veteran Brian Stewart, who during D-Day was a captain with the 1st Battalion, Tyneside Scottish, was painted by artist Paul Benney who has painted portraits of Mick Jagger and the Queen.

'The Last of the Tide' exhibition, which has been put together by the Royal Drawing School in collaboration with the Royal Collection Trust, is free and runs from June 6-17.