King Charles urged a rejuvenation of “global commitments to establishing a just peace in areas affected by conflict, along with diplomacy and conflict prevention,” as the UK celebrated the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day.
Westminster Abbey became the centerpiece for the national observances, featuring a service of thanksgiving that intertwined heartfelt memories of wartime hardship and loss with the aspirations for a better future that day had once promised.
Members of the royal family, government officials, and military representatives were present alongside 78 veterans of the Second World War as the king led the nation in a moment of silence for two minutes at the event’s start. Across the UK, individuals paused in reflection, and ceremonies took place throughout Europe.
Later, exactly 80 years after his grandfather George VI’s evening address to the public, Charles remarked that the gratitude owed to those “whose steadfastness and courage helped vanquish Nazism and guided our allied nations to VE Day” could “never be fully paid back.”
In his address at the VE Day 80 concert in Horse Guards Parade, which capped four days of remembrance, he noted that as the generation of those who lived through the Second World War “sadly diminishes,” it is our responsibility “to preserve their stories, ensuring that their experiences remain in our memories.”
Echoing Winston Churchill’s sentiment that “discussions are better than warfare,” he emphasized the need “to recommit ourselves not just to freedom, but to reviving global pledges for just peace, fostering diplomacy, and preventing conflict.”
He added: “As my grandfather wisely stated: ‘Our failure will be that of our cherished loved ones, who perished in vain, if their victory does not yield a lasting peace, rooted in justice and goodwill.’”
Charles stated, “It is our responsibility to safeguard and advance their invaluable legacy—so that future generations can look back and say of us: ‘They too [created] a better world.’”
He also shared a diary excerpt from his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, written the day after VE Day, which recounted: “Out in the crowd again. Embankment, Piccadilly. It rained, so fewer people. Conga-ed into House. Sang till 2am Bed at 3am!”
He playfully added, provoking laughter: “I hope your celebrations tonight are nearly as joyful, although I doubt I will have the energy to sing until 2am, let alone lead a giant conga back to Buckingham Palace!”
Among the veterans in the royal viewing area was 107-year-old Harry Richardson, a bomber pilot from the war. The ceremony featured video clips of veterans, evacuees, and home-front workers sharing their stories.
The concert included wartime songs, a sketch from Dad’s Army featuring Daniel Mays, Larry Lamb, and Nigel Havers, actor Brian Cox portraying Churchill, alongside rock bands The Darkness and Toploader, with performances from singers Fleur East, Tom Walker, and bass baritone Willard White.
Additionally, filmed reflections were offered by personalities Mary Berry, Joan Collins, and Sheila Hancock.
The event concluded with two classics by Vera Lynn, featuring Calum Scott singing “White Cliffs of Dover” and Samantha Barks with “We’ll Meet Again.”
Earlier inside the abbey, Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, highlighted that the hopes of VE Day and the benefits of peace were under scrutiny during his address.
“The initial outpouring of joy on that first VE Day led to something positive, for in confronting our ugliest traits, we discovered our finest,” he reflected. “Yet, all this goodness faces new threats in our world today.”
The service deeply honored veterans, some in wheelchairs and others with the assistance of walking sticks, as they were presented with white roses symbolizing peace, handed to them by six young people.
This served as a poignant reminder that as time claims more first-hand witnesses to the war, the younger generation must bear the responsibility of remembrance.
The solemn recollections of wartime were intricately woven into the service’s structure.
A “procession of witness” featured wartime artifacts from both the military and the home front, carefully carried through the abbey on velvet cushions and placed on the high altar—these included a D-Day map, a collection of campaign medals, a naval cap, an RAF flying helmet, an air raid warden’s helmet, a child’s gas mask, and a book listing the names of civilians lost in the UK.
Readings from letters from wartime brought history to life.
One letter was penned by frontline soldier Fredrick Burgess to his seven-year-old son, Freddie, written just seven months prior to his death in action.
Another letter, from Janet Thornton to her teenage daughters on VE Day, encouraged them to honor the day’s sacrifices and significance while also instructing them to “shout, scream, sing, wave flags, eat, drink—be it lemon or barley water—and make it a day of celebration.”
Her grandson, Colin Vallance-Owens, was in attendance to hear her words. “She strongly believed this was an immensely significant day for all of us,” he told the BBC.
An excerpt from Churchill’s radio address on May 8 echoed through the abbey. His great-great-grandson, 10-year-old Alexander Churchill, had the honor of lighting the VE Day candle and recited a prayer for “peace in Europe and throughout the world.”
