Monarchs lead nation in remembrance as tributes are paid across the U.K.
King Charles and Queen Camilla led commemorations on Friday to mark the 80th anniversary of VJ Day, the moment Japan’s surrender in 1945 ended the Second World War.
The royal couple arrived at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, where they joined Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, veterans, and military personnel in paying tribute to those who served in the Far East and Pacific campaigns.
Charles and Camilla laid a wreath before leading the nation in a two-minute silence at midday. The service, hosted by actress Celia Imrie, featured flypasts from the Red Arrows and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. Veterans aged between 96 and 105 shared moving testimonies, while among the 1,500 guests were 33 surviving servicemen who fought in the Asia-Pacific.
The King and Queen were the only royals present at the Arboretum, though other members of the family are taking part in commemorations elsewhere. The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh are attending a service at the Scottish War Memorial at Edinburgh Castle, while the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester are representing the family at Norwich Cathedral for an event honouring Far East Prisoners of War.
Earlier in the day, Prince William and Catherine paid tribute online, writing: “Today, on the 80th anniversary of VJ Day, we remember the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of all who served. We owe an enduring debt to the generation who gave so much, and to whom we will always be grateful. Lest we forget. W & C.”
