Carl Austin-Behan, from Manchester, was one of dozens of former soldiers, sailors and airmen and women who attended the ceremony at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, on Monday. King Charles's visit of the sculpture, named An Opened Letter, was the monarch's first official engagement in support of the LGBT community.

Having a memorial to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender military personnel feels like a "healing moment", a former soldier said.

LGBT military charity, Fighting With Pride, said the sculpture represents a 'powerful step forward in recognising and honouring the service and sacrifices' of the LGBT armed forces community after the...