has issued a rare and heartfelt statement today revealing a story about her own father on the 85th anniversary of Operation Dynamo. Also known as the evacuation from Dunkirk, Operation Dynamo was a significant moment for Britain in WW2 as it involved the rescue of more than 338,000 British and French soldiers from the port in northern France. Queen Camilla's father, Major Bruce Shand was among those taken to safety.

Over 800 naval vessels of all shapes and sizes helped to transport troops across the English Channel, so they could return to Britain and fight against the Germans to protect the country. The rescue operation took place between May 26 and June 4 1940.

To mark the anniversary, Queen Camilla has issued a heartfelt statement about the historic rescue, mentioning her father's own recollection of the day.

Her father served with the 12th Lancers during World War II and not only survived a gunshot, but was also a prisoner of war.

Speaking about Operation Dynamo in a statement today, Queen Camilla wrote: "Today and together with the nation, The King and I would like to remember the heroic and unprecedented civilian war effort of Operation Dynamo on its 85th anniversary.

"Over nine days, an eclectic collection of seafarers, ferry masters, barge hands, fishermen, and children, with their Little Ships, achieved the great evacuation of more than 338, 000 troops who were fighting with their backs to the sea at Dunkirk.

"My father, who was amongst their number and safely transported home 85 years ago today, recalled wading out to a cement ship to find refuge and rest in its wheel-house. He noted in his memoirs that 'The ship was commanded by a midshipman who looked about twelve, assisted by a boatswain aged eighty.'"

Her Majesty, who signed the statement Camilla R, continued: "I know that my father, together with his comrades of the British Expeditionary Force and the allied armies that were fortunate enough to find safe passage, would today be grateful beyond words for this lifeline."

Queen Camilla is believed to have shared a close relationship with her father, who died in 2006.

, Camilla, 77, said her father never spoke about his time serving until his grandchildren were born.

In an interview with to mark her 75th birthday, Camilla spoke about her father. She said: "We couldn't get him to talk about it. Yet when my children [son Tom and daughter Laura] and my sister's children came along, especially the boys, he started to."