Monarch King Charles and Queen Camilla spearhead Royal Family in VE Day tribute ceremonies
Rewritten Article:
Get ready for a jaw-dropping tribute as King Charles III and Queen Camilla lead the royal family in a grand salute, commemorating the 80-year mark since the conclusion of World War II in Europe.
Let's kick things off! On May 5, the dynamic duo, accompanied by the Prince and Princess of Wales (William and Kate) and their kids – George, Charlotte, and Louis – assembled at the Queen Victoria Memorial outside Buckingham Palace. The gathering didn't stop there! Other senior royals, such as Princess Anne, Prince Edward, and the Duchess of Edinburgh were also in attendance. Let's not forget Prime Minister Keir Starmer and veterans from the Royal British Legion, who joined the party.
So, what’s the plan? Military units marched down The Mall from Whitehall, and the royals caught all the action from the palace steps. Afterward, the family moved up to the Buckingham Palace balcony to watch an extraordinary aerial flypast, while veterans enjoyed the spectacle from the palace gardens.
A Buckingham Palace insider spilled the beans about the royal family's excitement for the VE Day celebrations, stating, "The King, Queen, and other members of The Royal Family are absolutely buzzing about all the week's VE Day events... expressing gratitude to the wartime generation."
Post-flypast, the royals will be hosting a special tea party for veterans at the palace. But that's just the beginning! More events are lined up through the week, including a poppy installation viewing on May 6, a Service of Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey on May 7, and a concert on May 8.
What else is in store? Well, expect street parties nationwide, including on HMS Belfast and public gatherings. Imagine thousands of people getting together in a show of unity and appreciation for our veterans. The Tower of London will also host a poppy installation as a solemn tribute, while Parliament will host a series of events, such as the illumination of the Ayrton Light at the Elizabeth Tower, exhibitions in Westminster Hall, and public tours in June/July.
The cherry on top? The Parliament Choir will be performing a VE Day concert in Westminster Hall on May 7. Talk about keeping the music alive!
As a final touch, Ukraine has confirmed the participation of some of their troops in the London procession, standing in solidarity amid Russia’s ongoing invasion. On August 15, a VJ Day service will take place at the National Memorial Arboretum, marking Japan's surrender.
In the words of Prime Minister Keir Starmer, these events invoke a "moment of national unity" to pay homage to our World War II veterans. So, are you ready to remember, honor, and celebrate? It's going to be one heck of a show!
- King Charles III and Queen Camilla, alongside the Prince and Princess of Wales (Prince William and Duchess Kate) and their children – Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis – will lead the royal family in a grand salute commemorating the 80-year mark since the end of World War II in Europe.
- On May 5, the royal family will gather at the Queen Victoria Memorial outside Buckingham Palace, with other senior royals, such as Princess Anne, Prince Edward, and the Duchess of Edinburgh, also in attendance.
- Prime Minister Keir Starmer and veterans from the Royal British Legion are expected to join the royals for the event.
- The family will watch an extraordinary aerial flypast from the Buckingham Palace balcony after the military units march down The Mall from Whitehall.
- Post-flypast, the royals will host a special tea party for veterans at the palace, followed by a poppy installation viewing on May 6.
- Other events lined up for the week include a Service of Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey on May 7 and a concert on May 8.
- Britain will have street parties nationwide, including on HMS Belfast and public gatherings, as well as a concert by the Parliament Choir in Westminster Hall on May 7, while the Tower of London will host a poppy installation as a solemn tribute.
- Ukraine will participate in the London procession, with a VJ Day service taking place at the National Memorial Arboretum on August 15 to mark Japan's surrender. These events, according to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, will invoke a "moment of national unity" to pay homage to World War II veterans and celebrate their courage.
