King Charles of Britain, along with other high-ranking royals, joined veterans and onlookers to witness a spectacular military parade and flypast, marking the beginning of four days of events commemorating the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day.
The UK government has organized a range of activities leading up to the anniversary of Nazi Germany’s unconditional surrender, which was officially enacted on May 8, 1945.
This date is recognized globally, including in countries like France, the United States, and Russia.
The festivities commenced earlier today when London’s Big Ben rang at noon, accompanied by readings from British war leader Winston Churchill’s VE Day speech.
“It’s a victory of the Great British nation as a whole. We were the first, in this ancient island, to draw the sword against tyranny.”
The Band of the Household Cavalry paraded along The Mall.
Alan Kennett, a 100-year-old veteran of Normandy, led the procession as it made its way down Whitehall, through Admiralty Arch, and up The Mall toward Buckingham Palace.
Thirty additional veterans attended official events today, including 26 who watched the London procession.
This group features Royal Navy veteran Albert Keir, 99; Royal Engineers veteran Alfred Littlefield, 101; RAF veteran Bernard Morgan, 101; Army veterans Arthur Oborne, 99, and Tom Stonehouse, 99; and Royal Marines veteran Francis James Grant, 99; all of whom served during D-Day.
Over 1,300 members of the British armed forces paraded through central London, with the king saluting as they passed, accompanied by Queen Camilla, Prince William, his wife Kate, their three children, Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and veterans from the conflict.
Ukrainian armed forces were also represented, carrying their blue and yellow flag as a demonstration of Britain’s ongoing support for Ukraine amid its conflict with Russia.
Ukrainian soldiers participated in the military parade.
In an open letter to British veterans, Mr. Starmer stated: “I want you to know: the entire nation is inspired by your selfless dedication.”
“This week, the country will show you just how grateful we all are. Because we understand that without your service, the freedom, peace, and joy these celebrations represent would not be possible,” he added in the letter published by the government.
In 1945, VE Day was celebrated with exuberance in London and throughout Britain.
The late Queen Elizabeth, then just 19 years old, and her younger sister Margaret famously ventured out to join the crowds outside Buckingham Palace, believed to be the only occasion in her 96 years when she mingled with the public unnoticed.
(L-R) King Charles, Queen Camilla, Prince of Wales, Prince George, Prince Louis, Princess of Wales, and Princess Charlotte.
The princess, who served as a volunteer driver and mechanic during the war, wore a uniform with her cap initially pulled low over her eyes as she was “terrified of being recognised”.
The day’s parade concluded with a flypast featuring historic military aircraft and the Royal Air Force’s Red Arrows display team, with the royals observing from Buckingham Palace’s balcony as crowds gathered below to enjoy the spectacle.
The royals greeted the onlookers outside and were set to host around 50 veterans and others who lived through the war for a tea party inside the palace.
People have started gathering along the parade route.
“It’s important to remember some of the poor souls who didn’t make it through like I did,” said 99-year-old Royal Air Force Veteran Dennis Bishop.
Among other activities, there will be a party on HMS Belfast — one of the few surviving British warships from WWII — anchored on the banks of the Thames.
Watch: RAF veteran Dennis Bishop expresses that he’s ‘absolutely overwhelmed’ by the occasion.
Everyone is invited to participate in hundreds of parties, picnics, installations, and commemorations across the country throughout the week leading up to VE Day on Thursday.
Tomorrow, Queen Camilla will visit an art installation featuring approximately 30,000 ceramic red poppies — emblems of remembrance for the war dead — at the Tower of London.
The celebrations will conclude on Thursday with a two-minute national silence, observed by the royals and at government buildings at noon.
Pubs across the UK have been granted permission to remain open two hours longer as part of the celebrations.
“This 80th anniversary marks a moment of national unity,” Mr. Starmer remarked in a statement.
“A time to celebrate that hard-won peace, honor the memory of those who lost their lives, and reflect on the sacrifices made by so many to secure our freedom.”
A new display of nearly 30,000 ceramic poppies at the Tower of London forms yet another tribute.
The poppies have been arranged to resemble a wound, symbolizing the enduring sacrifices made during the war.
Yeoman Sergeant Dan Benson is seen among a new exhibition of ceramic poppies, titled The Tower Remembers.
A service at Westminster Abbey will commence with a national two-minute silence for reflection and remembrance on Thursday, where veterans will be part of the congregation.
Horse Guards Parade is also set to host a live concert to conclude the commemorations.
Additional reporting by PA.
