Sophie Raworth's dad Richard died just days before she fronted the BBC's VE Day 80th anniversary celebrations.
The 56-year-old newsreader hid the secret family heartbreak that her beloved dad lost his battle with Parkinson's disease - a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement - while she was guiding the nation through the commemorations in London on Monday, May 5, 2025.
The family said in a statement to the Daily Mail newspaper's Eden Confidential column: "[Richard] died peacefully after a long battle with Parkinson's disease. [The businessman, photographer, jazz bass player and passionate gardener was] a man with a big heart and heaps of kindness and tenacity. We will miss him always."
Despite Sophie grieving the loss of Richard, she continued to do her duty in presenting the BBC's VE Day 80th anniversary commemorations. The events included 'Harry Potter' actor Timothy Spall reading Sir Winston Churchill's famous victory speech next to the late wartime Prime Minister's statue in Parliament Square, members of the armed forces taking part in a march from Parliament to Buckingham Palace, as well as the iconic Red Arrows and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Lancaster Bomber zoomed over the royal residence.
The 80th anniversary of VE Day - which marked the end of World War II in Europe - falls on Thursday, May 8, 2025, and King Charles and Queen Camilla are set to attend a special service at Westminster Abbey, and the royals will also attend a large-scale concert at Horse Guards Palace in Whitehall, London.
Speaking about the star presenting on Monday, an unnamed colleague added: "It's terribly sad, but Sophie was the consummate professional, as always."
Sophie - who has three children, Ella, Oliver, and Georgia, with her estate agent husband Richard Winter - has previously spoken about how Richard had Parkinson's for "several years" and revealed in 2021 that she had run the London Marathon to raise money for the Cure Parkinson's charity - which her father had supported. She said at the time on her JustGiving fundraising page: "My dad has had Parkinson's for several years now. It is a horrible disease. Yet he deals with it amazingly. He never complains, just gets on with it with kindness and good humour."
Concluding the celebrations on Thursday evening, a Ugandan-born musician, raised in Newcastle, will perform Nat King Cole’s "Smile" alongside a 45-piece orchestra and 30-person choir at Horse Guards Parade in London. The musician expressed his gratitude, stating, "I mean, when you think about it, it’s crazy. I used to sing on the streets just up the road from here. To be performing at this event, on this stage, is a moment I genuinely never saw coming. I am so grateful to be part of this historic event, and singing such a classic song to remember the moment the Second World War ended. It’s a real honour to be a part of the celebrations."
Monday also saw a military procession and flypast in central London as well as a street party held at Downing Street.
UK Government buildings and departments will remember and thank those who fought with a silence at noon on Thursday, with other organisations invited to follow suit. Pubs and bars have been granted permission to stay open for longer to mark the anniversary. Venues in England and Wales which usually close at 11pm will be able to keep serving for an extra two hours to celebrate.
Churches and cathedrals across the country will ring their bells as a collective act of thanksgiving at 6.30pm, echoing the sounds that swept across the country in 1945, the Church of England said.
The VE Day party, presented by Zoe Ball, will air on May 8 from 8pm to 10pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Kate Middleton also made a touching gesture at the conclusion of a special service at Westminster Abbey commemorating the 80th anniversary of VE Day. She and her husband, Prince William, joined other members of the Royal Family, including the King and Queen, for a thanksgiving service honoring those who sacrificed to bring peace to Europe eight decades ago. A national two-minute silence was observed before the simple ceremony.
Among the attendees were veterans who had helped defeat fascism in Europe during a war that spanned nearly six years. After the ceremony, all the royals, including Kate, spent time with the veterans and their families as they exited the Abbey. Dressed in an Alexandra Rich ensemble and wearing earrings that once belonged to Princess Diana, the princess crouched down to speak with a veteran seated in a wheelchair, holding her hand as they conversed. Prince William was seen warmly placing his hand on a veteran's shoulder as he engaged in conversation with the former serviceman who stood to chat with him and Kate.
In keeping with tradition, a young girl presented Kate with a bouquet of vibrant flowers as she left the building. However, in a poignant tribute, she left the flowers at the large circular slate Innocent Victims' Memorial outside the abbey upon departure, mirroring the actions of the Queen, reports the Mirror. The flowers were freshly picked from within the walls of Windsor Castle and its surrounding estate yesterday. The selection included rosemary symbolizing remembrance, oak for endurance, and bluebells traditionally representing gratitude.
In a recent revelation, both Kate and William are set to join Charles and Camilla at Horse Guards Parade for a special concert tonight. The VE Day celebration, hosted by Zoe Ball, will showcase performances by The Darkness, Toploader, and classical singer Sir Willard White. Other performers like Samantha Barks, Fleur East, John Newman, Calum Scott, and many more are also expected to grace the stage. Additionally, the professionals from Strictly Come Dancing will be performing.
Actor Timothy Spall kicked off VE Day commemorations in London on Monday by reading excerpts from then Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill's victory speech to the nation on May 8, 1945. Monday also witnessed a military procession and flypast in central London, along with a street party at Downing Street. Establishments in England and Wales that usually close at 11pm tonight can serve for an additional two hours. Churches and cathedrals nationwide will ring their bells in unison as a collective act of thanksgiving at 6.30pm, mirroring the sounds that resonated across the country in 1945, according to the Church of England.
