Britain Marks 80 Years Since VE Day with Royal Tributes, Global Reflection, and Last Salute to WWII Veterans

Britain marked the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day with a solemn service at Westminster Abbey, culminating four days of national commemorations. King Charles and Prince William led the ceremony, laying wreaths at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior, accompanied by war veterans and other dignitaries.

A nationwide two-minute silence was observed to honor the lives lost during World War II, particularly those who fought against Nazi Germany, whose unconditional surrender took effect on May 8, 1945.

Royals and World Leaders Unite to Honor Veterans and Reflect on Global Conflict Legacy

King Charles, Queen Camilla, and Prince William appeared alongside elderly veterans, many in wheelchairs, emphasizing the historical and emotional weight of the occasion. The event served as both a memorial and a tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of the wartime generation. After the Abbey service, the royal couple also greeted veterans and laid additional flowers at a nearby memorial, reaffirming the importance of honoring living veterans, most of whom are now in their 90s or older.

Commemorative events were not limited to the UK. In France, President Emmanuel Macron planned to lay a wreath at the statue of Charles de Gaulle and preside over a parade on the Champs-Elysées. In Germany, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier addressed the Bundestag during a remembrance session.

Meanwhile, Russia was preparing for a major military parade, with President Vladimir Putin invoking the WWII victory as a symbol of resistance against “neo-Nazism”—a controversial framing of the ongoing war in Ukraine, which Kyiv firmly rejects.

Honoring the Past While Facing Present Challenges: Leaders Reflect on VE Day Legacy

At a defense conference in London, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer underscored the significance of VE Day, calling it a victory for good over evil and a testament to the courage and resilience of those who fought. His speech connected the historical meaning of VE Day with current global conflicts, stressing the need to remember the past while remaining vigilant in the present. This message was echoed in other European capitals, where leaders reflected on the war’s legacy amid contemporary geopolitical tensions.

The week of events in the UK included a grand military parade, a flypast near Buckingham Palace, and a scheduled evening concert at Horse Guards Parade attended by the King and Queen. These tributes highlight a poignant truth: this VE Day may be one of the last large-scale commemorations with living WWII veterans. King Charles, who is currently undergoing cancer treatment, has maintained a busy schedule to personally honor these men and women, ensuring their sacrifices are remembered for generations to come.