Meeting Queen Elizabeth II was the highlight of a trip to Normandy for World War II veteran Des Laurie.
The 94-year-old was one of nine World War II veterans chosen to be part of a New Zealand delegation to France for the 70 year anniversary of the Normandy landings.
During his almost two-week trip, Mr Laurie said he and the other veterans were treated like celebrities wherever they went and were greeted by New Zealand embassy staff or local officials at each stop-over.
While in Normandy, the veterans were taken on a tour of the different beaches involved in D-Day. They watched a re-enactment of the landings including an air display and troop drops. They also visited Omaha Cemetery where Mr Laurie laid a wreath with Governor General Sir Jerry Mateparae.
On June 6, the anniversary of the landings, Mr Laurie attended a remembrance service at Bayeux Cathedral with British troops. Later they took part in an international ceremony at Sword Beach, which was attended by dignitaries from countries involved in World War II including Queen Elizabeth II.