London turned into a moving sea of red, white, and blue today as people of all ages lined the streets to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day – the day World War II ended in Europe.
With the sound of drums echoing down The Mall and Union flags waving high, the country paid heartfelt tribute to the heroes of 1945.
At the heart of the commemorations were the Royal Family, standing in solidarity and celebration, determined to honour the past despite recent tensions.
The Royal Family Steps Out with Purpose
Princess Kate, radiating grace in a deep berry outfit she’s worn before, arrived at the event alongside Prince William and their three children—George, Charlotte, and Louis.
All eyes were on the family as they stood together in unity just days after Prince Harry publicly spoke out, urging for reconciliation with his relatives.
Kate’s outfit held personal meaning; she wore a gold-winged brooch in memory of her grandfather, Peter Middleton, who served as a WWII fighter pilot.
She shared a tender moment with Bernard Morgan, a 101-year-old veteran and Royal British Legion ambassador.
Crowds Cheer a Grand Military Procession
The Queen Victoria Memorial outside Buckingham Palace transformed into a stage for solemn reflection and spirited pride.
As more than 1,300 Armed Forces personnel marched from Parliament Square to The Mall, thousands of onlookers applauded.
It was the beginning of four days of national remembrance.
Later, the skies above the palace will roar with a flypast of iconic RAF aircraft, while King Charles hosts a tea party for some of the few remaining WWII veterans and their families.
Harry’s Shadow Lingers, But the Spotlight Stays on Veterans
While today was about remembering the past, Prince Harry’s recent interview has stirred fresh tension.
He revealed a deep emotional rift with his father, King Charles, and expressed doubts about the family’s future.
His candid comments, particularly after losing a legal battle to reinstate his police protection in the UK, have reportedly unsettled the Royal household further.
Still, the Palace is keen to focus public attention on the veterans, not family drama.
“Let’s not forget the true heroes of the day,” a royal aide emphasized.
Charles, Camilla, and Royal Traditions
King Charles appeared in Naval No.1 Dress—mirroring the look his grandfather, King George VI, wore on VE Day in 1945.
Beside him, Queen Camilla wore a striking sapphire blue ensemble and a brooch from her late father’s regiment.
Prince William, dressed in RAF No.1 uniform, joined other royals including Princess Anne and the Duke of Edinburgh, all in their formal military attire.
Their presence reinforced the weight of tradition and commitment, bridging generations past and present.
Veterans and Patriotic Fans Brave the Cold
Some arrived a full day early to get the best spots.
Caroline Tomlinson, wrapped in Union flags, camped out overnight, undeterred by the cold.
“I’ve been to the Queen’s funeral, the Jubilee, royal weddings—you name it.
This is what I do,” she said with a smile.
Michael Burn, decked out in a Union Jack suit he first wore at the 2012 Olympics, shared a similar sentiment: “This is the last time we’ll mark this on such a grand scale.
We’re here to honour the few remaining heroes.”
Handmade Dresses, Songs, and Shared Stories
For some attendees, paying tribute took a creative turn.
Grace Gothard from Ghana and Satvinder Cubb stitched their own dresses by hand—one from actual flags—to show their gratitude.
“It’s about remembering the soldiers,” said Cubb.
“We do this every royal event.”
Others brought music.
Mandy Ellis and her family handed out song sheets to the crowd.
“It’s our way of saying thank you,” she said.
Their playlist included classics like “We’ll Meet Again” and “Land of Hope and Glory.”
Honouring the Past, One Story at a Time
Veterans like David Smith, a former Royal Engineer, and his wife Muriel, came from Lincolnshire.
“This is about patriotism.
It’s what we do,” said David, who has marched at the Cenotaph for 26 years.
In Whitehall, Maria Crook proudly displayed her paratrooper-themed Union flag.
“I was here in 2005 too.
The atmosphere is always unforgettable,” she said.
And then there was Laura Bill, dressed in vintage 1940s fashion with her entire family.
“We’re reenactors.
We travel across the country for events like this.
It’s a celebration of history.”
A Powerful Reminder: Allies Still Matter
As Ukrainian and NATO troops joined the London parade, Garrison Sergeant Major Vern Stokes said their presence was a “reminder that allies really do matter.”
He added that today was about honouring the veterans—“our very, very important people.”
Political leaders echoed the sentiment.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer wrote a heartfelt letter to veterans, praising their sacrifice and lifelong service.
“Without you, the freedom and peace we enjoy today wouldn’t exist,” he wrote.
A Flypast and a Nation’s Salute
Later today, the skies will light up with six waves of aircraft, including the Red Arrows, Typhoons, and a Lancaster from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.
All of it will be watched by the Royal Family from the Buckingham Palace balcony, in a moment that echoes the jubilation of May 8, 1945.
Among those leading today’s events is 100-year-old Normandy veteran Alan Kennett, who will receive the symbolic Torch for Peace before the procession begins.
Remembering What Matters Most
While royal dramas may make headlines, today’s commemorations served as a poignant reminder of what truly matters—honouring the bravery, sacrifice, and enduring legacy of those who secured peace 80 years ago.
From handmade dresses to heartfelt songs, from royal tributes to camped-out patriots, the nation came together not just to remember the past, but to stand united in the present.