The British royal family gathered today to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day, a significant occasion marking the end of World War II in Europe. The event took place in London, where King Charles III, Queen Camilla, and other senior royals, including Prince William and Princess Catherine, led the celebrations alongside their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
As the royals arrived at the Queen Victoria Memorial outside Buckingham Palace, they were met with a grand military procession featuring approximately 1,300 members of the armed forces, including the Royal Navy, the Royal Marines, the British Army, and the Royal Air Force. This year, the procession also included troops from Commonwealth nations, Ukraine, and NATO allies, highlighting the enduring spirit of unity and remembrance.
Princess Catherine, 43, turned heads in a stunning coat dress by Emilia Wickstead, which she had previously worn during a visit from South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa in 2022. The ensemble, a rich burgundy color, was complemented by a matching Sean Barrett pillbox hat adorned with a bow, beige Gianvito Rossi pointed pumps, and a gold winged RAF brooch. This brooch holds personal significance for Kate, as it symbolizes her paternal grandfather, Peter Middleton, who served as a fighter pilot during the Second World War.
During the event, the royals observed the military procession from a specially constructed platform, engaging warmly with veterans seated nearby. Notably, Princess Charlotte sat with her mother, while Prince Louis took the opportunity to brush tree pollen off Prince William's jacket, showcasing the family’s close-knit dynamics amidst the formalities.
As the procession made its way along The Mall, actor Timothy Spall recited the words of Sir Winston Churchill’s 1945 victory speech, adding a poignant touch to the occasion. The Cenotaph, a war memorial in Whitehall, was draped in a large Union flag, marking a significant display of respect for those who served during the war. This was the first time the Cenotaph had been draped in Union flags since its unveiling in 1920.
Among the attendees was 100-year-old Normandy veteran Alan Kennett, who led the procession, representing the bravery and sacrifice of his generation. Other veterans present included Royal Navy veteran Albert Keir, aged 99, and Royal Engineers veteran Alfred Littlefield, who is 101. They were honored for their service, with the Royal British Legion supporting around 30 veterans at the event, ranging in age from 98 to 104.
As the royals prepared for the flypast, which included the iconic Red Arrows and various military aircraft, they also hosted a tea party in the palace gardens for approximately 50 veterans and members of the Second World War generation. This gathering aimed to honor those who served, including British and Commonwealth Armed Forces veterans, women's Royal Navy Wrens, and others who contributed to the war effort.
In the lead-up to the commemorations, the atmosphere in London was electric, with crowds gathering early to secure prime viewing spots along The Mall. Some, like Caroline Tomlinson, traveled from Doncaster and camped overnight to witness the historic event. "I’ve been watching lots of footage from 1945 when everybody was gathering outside the palace, so just great to be a part of it here we are again 80 years later," Tomlinson expressed.
Others, like Michael Burn, donned patriotic outfits, with Burn dressed head to toe in a Union flag suit. He remarked, "I think we’ve been very lucky that we’ve had 80 years of peace and these are very troubled times at the moment, and we’ve got to think about all those that have the ultimate sacrifice."
As the day progressed, the royal family made their way to the balcony of Buckingham Palace, where they watched the flypast. The event concluded with a live concert at Horse Guards Parade, celebrating the victory and the sacrifices made during the war.
In a heartfelt message, the Prime Minister acknowledged the contributions of veterans, stating, "VE Day is a chance to acknowledge, again, that our debt to those who achieved it can never fully be repaid." He emphasized the importance of remembering the sacrifices made by those who served, noting that the freedom and joy celebrated today would not be possible without their dedication.
The commemorations also included street parties across the UK, with local authorities supporting community events to honor the occasion. Many venues, including the Palace of Westminster and Cardiff Castle, were illuminated in tribute to the wartime generation. A national two-minute silence was observed at Westminster Abbey, allowing the nation to reflect on the sacrifices made during the war.
The 80th anniversary of VE Day serves not only as a day of remembrance but also as a celebration of unity and gratitude for the sacrifices made by the brave men and women who fought for freedom. With the royal family at the forefront of the celebrations, the spirit of VE Day continues to resonate across generations, reminding us all of the importance of honoring our past.
