White House wants Queen Elizabeth II to attend D-Day ceremonies despite French snub

White House wants queen to attend D-Day ceremonies

WASHINGTON — The White House wants Queen Elizabeth II at D-Day ceremonies later this week.

White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said Monday that President Barack Obama wants to include the queen, who served in uniform during World War II. Gibbs says officials are working to see if that can happen.

France failed to invite Queen Elizabeth II to Normandy for the 65th anniversary of the Allied landings. The perceived snub created an uproar in Britain, which lost thousands at Normandy and across France while helping free the country from the Nazis.

French officials say the queen was welcome to come, but Buckingham Palace says no member of the royal family will attend the ceremonies. Obama and Prime Minister Gordon Brown will be there.