Charles will lay flowers at the site at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire on Monday during the unveiling of the Government-funded public tribute.

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 their historic mistreatment.

It takes the form of a crumpled bronze letter made up of words taken from evidence from personnel who were impacted by the ban, which was in place from 1967 until January 11 2000.

Under the policy, members of the armed forces who were – or were thought to be – gay or transgender were subjected to brutal interrogation and dismissal.

Thousands of people were investigated, discharged or forced to leave their ca

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