Battle of the Atlantic veteran Frank Cooper interviewed by Alex Candlin in Liverpool for commemorations. — Battle of the Atlantic veteran Frank Cooper attends the commemorations in Liverpool.

WWII

Battle of the Atlantic veteran shares delight after shaking hands with 'lovely' Princess Royal

A Second World War Royal Navy veteran has expressed his delight after shaking hands with "lovely" Princess Anne as part of commemorations for the Battle of the Atlantic.

97-year-old Frank Cooper was a sailor involved in the battle, which was the longest continuous military operation during the Second World War and key to the Allies' victory.

A series of events, which took place in Liverpool to mark the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Atlantic, "meant a lot" to Mr Cooper, which he said he enjoyed.

Royal Navy Destroyer HMS Defender leading the Battle of the Atlantic Commemorations in Liverpool 28052023 CREDIT BFBS — Royal Navy Destroyer HMS Defender leading the Battle of the Atlantic Commemorations in Liverpool.

Battle of the Atlantic Commemorations in Liverpool 28052023 CREDIT BFBS.jpeg — Battle of the Atlantic Commemorations in Liverpool.

A weekend of events to mark the Battle of the Atlantic, in Liverpool 28052023 CREDIT BFBS.jpeg — A weekend of commemorations continue on the Mersey.

Royal Naval association during Battle of the Atlantic anniversary events in Liverpool 28052023 CREDIT BFBS — Royal Naval association during Battle of the Atlantic anniversary events in Liverpool.

Royal Naval association during the Battle of the Atlantic anniversary events in Liverpool 28052023 CREDIT BFBS.jpeg — Royal Naval association during Battle of the Atlantic anniversary events in Liverpool.

Frank Cooper, BOTA veteran, 97, ahead of Battle of the Atlantic anniversary events in Liverpool 28052023 CREDIT BFBS.jpeg — Veteran Frank Cooper, 97, ahead of Battle of the Atlantic anniversary events in Liverpool.

A flypast during the weekend of Battle of the Atlantic commemorations on the Mersey 28052023 CREDIT BFBS — A flypast during the weekend of Battle of the Atlantic commemorations.

A weekend of events are marking the Battle of the Atlantic, in Liverpool 28052023 CREDIT BFBS.jpeg — A weekend of events are marking the Battle of the Atlantic.

Battle of the Atlantic Commemorations continue in Liverpool 28052023 CREDIT BFBS.jpeg — Battle of the Atlantic commemorations continue in Liverpool.

Crowds gathered for a weekend of events marking the Battle of the Atlantic, in Liverpool 28052023 CREDIT BFBS.jpeg — Crowds gathered for a weekend of events marking the Battle of the Atlantic.

A weekend of events for families were available marking the Battle of the Atlantic 28052023 CREDIT BFBS.jpeg — A weekend of events for families were available during the Battle of the Atlantic commemorations.

He told Forces News: "It's a long time since I've done [something] like this.

"I live on my own, I do all my own cooking and washing, but my neighbours do my garden for me and my nephews and nieces do shopping for me."

Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal unveiled a new national memorial on Friday to those who fought and won the battle.

Mr Cooper described his pleasure at shaking hands with Princess Anne and other top naval officials, as part of the commemorations.

He said: "Fantastic. I met Princess Anne and the Admiral and some more top officers and they all came and shook my hand.

"I was sat on a chair because my legs don't stand up long, I've got bad legs. He [Admiral] kneeled down to talk to me, I thought that was great when an Admiral bends down to talk to you.

"Princess Anne was lovely, she's down to earth, just like a normal person."

The six-year operation ensured soldiers and supplies were safely transported between North America and Europe between 1939 and 1945.

Eighty years on, military ships, led by destroyer HMS Defender had been arriving in Liverpool since Friday for the anniversary commemorations.

The ships remained in Liverpool for the weekend and were joined by the US destroyer USS Ramage.