Royal Family Leads VE Day 80th Anniversary Celebrations in London
- The New York Editorial Desk - Arif
- May 5
- 2 min read
Tone & Political Bias: Center
Why: The coverage focuses on national unity and remembrance, presenting events factually without political slant.
Key Events
Date: May 5, 2025
Location: London, United Kingdom
Occasion: 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day
Royal Family's Participation
King Charles III and Queen Camilla led the British royal family in commemorating the 80th anniversary of VE Day. They were joined by the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—on the Buckingham Palace balcony to observe an RAF flypast.
Military Procession and Flypast
A military parade featured 1,300 UK armed forces personnel, along with representatives from NATO allies, including the US, Germany, France, and Ukraine. The procession moved through Whitehall, Admiralty Arch, and up The Mall, concluding at Buckingham Palace.
The flypast included various aircraft such as the Voyager transport aircraft, P8 Poseidon surveillance aircraft, Typhoon and F-35 fighter jets, historic WWII-era planes, and the Red Arrows, which displayed red, white, and blue trails over the palace.
Commemorative Activities
Actor Timothy Spall recited excerpts from Winston Churchill's 1945 victory speech, marking the beginning of the celebrations. A tea party was hosted inside Buckingham Palace, attended by over 30 WWII veterans and members of the royal family.
Public Engagement and Nationwide Events
Thousands gathered along The Mall and outside Buckingham Palace to witness the events. Street parties, 1940s-themed gatherings, and community events were held across the UK. Landmarks such as the Palace of Westminster, the Shard, and the Tower of London were illuminated as part of the commemorations.
Contextual Notes
This VE Day marks the first major anniversary without Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away in 2022.
Despite recent public comments from Prince Harry regarding family relations, a palace aide stated that the royal family remained "fully focused" on the VE Day events.
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