Duchess of Edinburgh Engages in a Meeting with a 105-Year-Old World War II Vet
Duchess of Edinburgh Holds Emotional Meeting with WWII Veteran
In a poignant gathering, the Duchess of Edinburgh, Sophie, met with 105-year-old Royal Marines veteran James "Jim" Wren at Sarum Manor Care Home in Salisbury, England. The meeting took place a few days before the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day (VJ Day) in August 2025.
During the special afternoon tea, Mr. Wren shared his harrowing experiences from World War II, including the sinking of his ship, the HMS Repulse, by Japanese torpedoes in December 1941. He survived this attack but was later captured by the Japanese in Singapore in February 1942 and spent three and a half years in a prisoner of war camp until the war ended in August 1945.
The Duchess, who is the patron of the Java Far East Prisoner of War Club 1942, showed a keen interest in Mr. Wren's story. She asked about his motivations for joining the Royal Navy, to which he replied that he was not accepted into the Royal Air Force or the Royal Army.
The meeting was attended by four generations of Mr. Wren's family, adding an emotional and historical significance to the occasion. The Duchess had the opportunity to meet Mr. Wren's daughter Denise Dables, son-in-law Andy Dables, granddaughter Kirsty Dables, and great-granddaughters Freya and Ellie.
This encounter symbolizes a personal connection between the royal family and wartime veterans, highlighting the enduring legacy and sacrifices of those who served during World War II, especially in the Pacific Theater involving the Japanese forces. The HMS Repulse incident was one of the significant early naval losses to the Japanese, making Mr. Wren's survival story a poignant piece of history shared directly with a member of the Royal Family.
The British royal family had earlier this year commemorated the end of the war in Europe (V-E Day) in May. The meeting with Mr. Wren comes as the royal family prepares to commemorate VJ Day with various public events, including a service of remembrance attended by King Charles III.
Rachel King, a news writer at Town & Country, was present at the event. Her work covering travel and lifestyle has appeared in Forbes, Observer, Robb Report, Cruise Critic, and Cool Hunting, among others.
Mr. Wren, who currently lives in New York with his family, previously spent nearly a decade as an editor at Fortune. The Duchess was dressed casually in a multiprint dress by Lexy London for the occasion.
- In the realm of news and society, Rachel King of Town & Country documented the Duchess of Edinburgh's profound encounter with World War II veteran James "Jim" Wren.
- As the patron of the Java Far East Prisoner of War Club 1942, the Duchess's meeting with Mr. Wren serves as a testament to the enduring interest in and appreciation for the style and legacy of war veterans.
- Amidst the backdrop of the upcoming commemoration of VJ Day, the Duchess's meeting with Mr. Wren offers a unique glimpse into the intersection of the royal family, art, and entertainment, as documented by a journalist known for her work in travel and lifestyle.
- The Duchess's choice of attire, a multiprint dress by Lexy London, highlighted her casual yet stylish approach to the event, blending perfectly with the contemporary news and lifestyle landscape.
