to mark 80 years since World War Two ended in Europe It comes after the Royal Family watched the Red Arrows fly over the Palace, with the King and Queen waving to thousands of people gathered on the Mall The Prince and Princess of Wales, and their three children, joined the monarch - see the younger royals’ reaction Earlier, the King saluted a military procession watched by thousands of spectators - one family tell the BBC they left home at 05:30 BST to bag a front-row spot The World War Two veterans at today's events are in their late nineties and are representatives of a shrinking number of that generation, our royal correspondent Sean Coughlan writes Watch: The royal moments you may have missed Edited by Nathan Williams and Jack Burgess scotch eggs and pork pies were served to veterans in Downing Street Prime Minister Winston Churchill encouraged the country to "rejoice" as he declared the war in Europe at an end actor Timothy Spall repeated the war leader's words as crowds of military personnel gathered on Parliament Square to commemorate VE Day 80 Their subsequent march to the Mall - where they were saluted by King Charles and other Royal Family members and veterans - kicked off four days of events across the UK Brits even braved the slightly disappointing weather in some parts of the country which failed to put a stop to bunting-clad tea parties - even Downing Street took part A Red Arrows flypast was the headline of today's festivities but there's more to look forward to over the rest of the week Thursday - the anniversary of Churchill's declaration - will see members of the Royal Family attend a thanksgiving service at Westminster it'll be time for a live celebratory concert at Horse Guards Parade to conclude the festivities Until then, you can have a read of our news story to see how it all unfolded today Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingWhat's coming up this weekpublished at 18:50 British Summer Time 5 May18:50 BST 5 MayImage caption The BBC will present VE Day 80: A Celebration to Remember a live concert marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day Elsewhere, celebrations are planned across the country. Check your local council website or ve-vjday80.gov.uk, external for events Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharing'Surrender ratified' – a party with papers from 1945published at 18:44 British Summer Time 5 May18:44 BST 5 MayKris BramwellYour Voice Your BBC News Sam Bawden has been enjoying a VE Day celebration at her parent’s house in Newent threw a party for 25 friends in their barn and the gathered guests have been browsing some old newspapers from around the time of VE Day which Mary found in the loft Sam says: "They are very patriotic my parents." Sam has sent us some of the newspapers the party are browsing - take a look at a couple below: Here is the front page of the Daily Express on 8 May 1945 The 'Victory' issue of the Citizen newspaper on 8 May 1945 Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingA crocheted plane crafted for VE Daypublished at 18:33 British Summer Time 5 May18:33 BST 5 MayKris BramwellYour Voice Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharing'The generation that served is fast fading into history'published at 18:23 British Summer Time 5 May18:23 BST 5 MayAshitha NageshReporting from The Mall Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingA procession flypast and street parties - VE Day celebrations in picturespublished at 18:05 British Summer Time 5 May18:05 BST 5 MayImage source The VE Day procession in central London involved more than 1,300 people who was sitting next to veteran Bernard Morgan The King saluted as the procession made its way down the Mall with the Red Arrows taking part in a flypast white and blue smoke could be seen across the sky in central London Three generations of royals watched on from the Buckingham Palace balcony Street parties have been held across the UK Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingWatch: Fly with the Red Arrows in immersive 360 videopublished at 17:50 British Summer Time 5 May17:50 BST 5 MayThis video can not be played Experience flying with a Red Arrows pilot in immersive video The Royal Air Force's Red Arrows headlined today's flypast As the Royal Family and spectators looked to the skies they might have wondered what it's like to be on board one of the famous jets as the immersive footage below shows a view of London from the cockpit of the planes use your fingers to move the view on your phone If you are watching on the BBC News app, click here for the best experience 360° filming courtesy of the Royal Air Force Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingStories from VE Day 80 years onpublished at 17:37 British Summer Time 5 May17:37 BST 5 MayThomas MackintoshLive reporter Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingWatch: Royal moments you may have missedpublished at 17:19 British Summer Time 5 May17:19 BST 5 MayThis video can not be played The Royal Family were at the heart of today's commemorations to mark 80 years since the end of World War Two in Europe while the King encouraged his family to wave to onlooking crowds from the balcony Watch back some of the moments you might have missed World War Two veteran Norman Brown shows a magic trick to the Queen while sitting at the dining table Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharing98-year-old veteran describes meeting the Kingpublished at 16:51 British Summer Time 5 May16:51 BST 5 MayImage source says King Charles tucked her blanket into her wheelchair during the VE Day parade to stop her getting cold who joined the war effort at 17 and served in the Women's Auxiliary Air Force was sitting next to the King during the procession "I said to him a lot of the women look formidable and he said 'yes"'," Trew tells PA news agency Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingBalloons bunting and bean bags - your street parties picturedpublished at 16:39 British Summer Time 5 May16:39 BST 5 MayImage source BBC/Peter DaviesYou've been sending us the scenes from your street parties around the country where roads have been pedestrianised in favour of tables full of cake and drinks One scene has reached us from Midhurst in West Sussex where Peter Davies and his neighbours have been hard at work to gather members of the community together Contributing to the atmosphere of celebration are balloons Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingTower of London ceramic poppy display returnspublished at 16:30 British Summer Time 5 May16:30 BST 5 MayImage source ReutersAlso forming part of the VE Day commemorations is a display at the Tower of London It's made up of nearly 30,000 ceramic poppies - originally featured in Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red an artwork created to mark the centenary of WW1 and included 888,246 poppies at the castle The poppies are positioned to resemble a wound at the heart of the Tower and visitors can see it with a general admission ticket to the Tower although a small part is visible from the public footpath The exhibition runs until Armistice Day on 11 November Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRoyals join veterans at Palace tea partypublished at 16:09 British Summer Time 5 May16:09 BST 5 MayImage source PA MediaWhile all these events have been going on the Royal Family have been hosting their own tea party at Buckingham Palace their families and other members of the wartime generation have been invited along We've just received these pictures from the event that we can share with you now Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingInspiration if you're planning a street partypublished at 16:08 British Summer Time 5 May16:08 BST 5 MayImage source street parties are happening around the country and the PM is hosting one in Downing Street If you're planning an event in the next few days to join in the celebrations you'll likely be thinking about which dishes to whip up and deciding on the drinks you'll be toasting with Our colleagues from BBC Food have created a guide on how to throw a street party and have provided all the last-minute inspiration you may need Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingIn pictures: Keir Starmer welcomes guests in Downing Streetpublished at 16:03 British Summer Time 5 May16:03 BST 5 MayImage source has become the venue for a VE Day tea party Here's a quick glance how it's looking as guests enjoy Victoria sponge and musical performances of tunes from the times The prime minister and his wife brought out cakes for the party Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingCake scotch eggs and pork pies at Downing Street tea partypublished at 15:52 British Summer Time 5 May15:52 BST 5 MayImage source PoolAfter attending the military procession and flypast earlier today Prime Minister Keir Starmer is turning his hand to host as guests arrive at Downing Street for a VE Day street party Long tables have been set up outside Number 10 scotch eggs and pork pies on the menu for guests and each seat has been given a commemorative plate and mug with the words VE Day 80 written on them Spotted among the guests so far is comedian Al Murray and Second World War veterans are also expected to be in attendance Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingEarplugs in as HMS Belfast guns firedpublished at 15:48 British Summer Time 5 May15:48 BST 5 MayNick JohnsonReporting from HMS Belfast Watch: Moment HMS Belfast makes gun salute All of us onboard HMS Belfast were urged to put our earplugs in as a public address system announced the ship's guns were about to be fired These guns crucial in softening the German defences on the beaches of Normandy in the early stages of the allied assault of D-Day Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingStage at Buckingham Palace being removedpublished at 15:40 British Summer Time 5 May15:40 BST 5 MayMallory Moench and Ashitha NageshReporting from outside Buckingham Palace Workers are beginning to take down the stage in front of Buckingham Palace Most attendees have left or moved on to walk or sit in the park while the usual crowds and tourists have begun to trickle back in It’s gotten colder and the sky has been threatening rain Harry’s gripes about personal security and call for reconciliation with his family elicit mixed responses Tourists squashed themselves up against the palace gates e-bikes whizzed around the memorial of Queen Victoria and security staff hurriedly erected impromptu barriers to manage the heaving crowds For the family drawing this familiar circus He also appeared to extend an olive branch to the royal family saying he would “love” to reconcile with them despite King Charles’s refusal to speak to him “because of the security stuff” Did the wantaway prince’s calls for a truce cut ice with the royal watchers outside Buckingham Palace Chris Jones said Harry ‘could afford to pay for his own bodyguards’ Photograph: Teri Pengilley/The Guardian“He can’t have it both ways,” said Chris Jones “He’s made a decision to go and live in America and that’s his decision He can’t just change his mind and come back to the UK and expect everything to be as it was before.” Jones said Harry “could afford to pay for his own bodyguards” if he wanted to Hannah Taylor, 25, said Meghan ‘has been treated awfully’. Photograph: Teri Pengilley/The Guardian“She has literally been hated on so much and received a lot of racist comments. I think she’s been treated awfully, really,” said Hannah Taylor, 25. On Harry, however, her words of support were more reserved. “I don’t have much sympathy for somebody that’s really rich and has a lot of choices,” she said. While she acknowledges the poor treatment faced by Meghan, she is more mixed on the couple’s security battle. “I’m sure she can afford it,” said Taylor. Free daily newsletterOur morning email breaks down the key stories of the day, telling you what’s happening and why it matters Read moreWhat of the Americans who Harry and Meghan have so consistently marketed themselves to since what the tabloids have termed “Megxit”? “We wouldn’t miss them,” said tourist Keith Andrews, 66. “They have no relevance to the United States, especially Meghan Markle. She sold her soul over here and then ran back to the United States when they hurt her feelings. Goodbye.” In the BBC interview, Harry called the security row a “good old-fashioned establishment stitch-up” and urged Keir Starmer and Yvette Cooper to look into the matter. 1:05Prince Harry 'would love reconciliation' with family after losing legal challenge – video “Why should the British taxpayers pay for his protection? He’s got enough money,” said Michael 67, who did not want to provide his last name. “I dare say he could get a taxi from the airport to the palace,” said Caroline, 80. She said Harry is “having a bit of a pity party for himself” and he “wants sympathy from people”. “We saw it this morning and thought, get over yourself. He’s made his bed and he’s got to lie in it. He is a very bitter man. He left his own country for a so-called better life. Now I think he’s having regrets. “He wanted to go to America with Meghan. Good luck to him, enjoy your life over there. Don’t start crying over it now,” she said. Four-day commemorations marking 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day got underway today Notifications can be managed in browser preferences. I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Buckingham Palace has welcomed veterans to meet the royal family as the UK celebrated the upcoming 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day Thousands of people lined The Mall and the royals assumed their iconic balcony position to watch the Red Arrows flypast over the palace for a day of grand celebrations Veterans were later invited to meet the family such as 99-year-old Robert Piper who spoke with King Charles “about my service and the memories I have of the war” revealed that the King tucked her blanket into her wheelchair to prevent her getting chilly A 101-year-old veteran, Alfred Littlefield, said he was is “proud” of Prince George for taking such an interest in his age Mr Littlefield added that he was was “very happy” that George has taken an interest in the past after he met him at Buckingham Palace The four-day commemorations got underway today as the King and Queen, the Prince and Princess of Wales, and their children were joined by veterans in leading the nation’s events Sir Winston Churchill’s victory speech was read out by actor Timothy Spall to open proceedings. Eighty years after King George VI marked Victory in Europe Day without adorning his uniform with medals, his grandson, King Charles III, followed suit. At Monday’s VE Day parade in central London, the King opted for a similar display of understated commemoration. Donning his naval No.1 dress uniform, he observed the military procession and flypast, commencing four days of national celebration. May 8, 1945 marked the official end of the war in Europe and the Allied forces’ over the Nazis. King George stepped onto the balcony of Buckingham Palace, alongside his wife Queen Elizabeth and daughters Elizabeth (later Queen Elizabeth II) and Margaret to wave to the crowds. Veteran Norman Trickett, 101, said he performed a magic trick with the Queen while talking to her. The trick involved tying string on Camilla’s finger before whipping it off. Mr Trickett said: “I was dared to show the magic trick to the Queen, so I did it. “She loved it, so I’m glad, I’m chuffed to be here, very proud.” Among those who saw the flypast from Buckingham Palace was Ruth Barnwell, 100, who joined the Women’s Royal Naval Service aged 17 when her brother’s friend was killed on HMS Hood, which was sunk during the Battle of the Denmark Strait on May 24 1941 by the German battleship Bismarck. Regarding the commemoration, she told PA: “It was great. Really great. Today has been wonderful.” A veteran who was cold during the VE Day military procession said the King “tucked” her in. Joy Trew, who signed up to join the war effort aged 17 and served in the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force, said Charles had leaned down and tucked her blanket into her wheelchair during the parade to prevent her from getting chilly. “He bent down and tucked me in,” she said. Of the procession, Ms Trew, who grew up in Bristol but now lives in Wells in Somerset, said: “I said to him (the King) a lot of the women look formidable and he said ‘yes’”. The 98-year-old said she discussed parenting with Charles and told him she had tried to be a strict mother to her children. The Prince of Wales spoke of the importance of preserving veterans’ stories as he was joined by his son and former service personnel at a tea party in Buckingham Palace. William smiled as he shook hands with veterans and said it was “very important” for Prince George and the “next generation” to hear the stories from those who fought in the war. George listened intently as his father chatted to Alfred Littlefield, 101, who served during D-Day. William later told veteran Douglas Hyde, who joined the merchant navy aged 18 in 1944, that his son was “very keen” to ask the former serviceman some questions. The pair joined the party as veterans and senior politicians enjoyed a selection of finger sandwiches, soup and homemade scotch eggs in the Marble Hall. In an open letter to veterans ahead of VE Day, Sir Keir Starmer thanked for their “selfless dedication”. The sacrifice made by members of the armed forces is a “debt that can never fully be repaid” but the nation will show how thankful it is during events to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe, the Prime Minister wrote. He said the stories we will hear this week from those who fought are a reminder that “our victory was not just for Britain”. “It was also a victory for good against the assembled forces of hatred, tyranny and evil. VE Day is a chance to acknowledge, again, that our debt to those who achieved it can never fully be repaid,” Sir Keir said. As the nation falls silent on Thursday, he said his thoughts will turn both to those who served in the Second World War and those who “carry the torch of their legacy” today. “Alongside our history and our values, service is the other great force that binds a nation together. “So this week, I want you to know: the whole nation is inspired by the selfless dedication of your example. “It is not just that you keep us all safe. It is also that you represent the best of who we are. A living link of service that unites the values we must stand for in the present, with the stories we must pass down from our past.” Members of the military march along Whitehall Members of the Colour Party carry flags of the Commonwealth nations Members of the Band of The Irish Guards during a military procession marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day Foreign Secretary David Lammy arrives ahead of the military procession Mayor of London Sadiq Khan arrives ahead of the military procession Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch (left) ahead of the military procession Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Royals watch on as VE Day flyover takes place. The Royal Family turned out in force to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day in London today as Britain remembered the end of the Second World War in Europe King Charles and Queen Camilla were joined by Prince William Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis on the Buckingham Palace balcony Other senior royals were also present for the commemorations which included watching a spectacular RAF flypast The royal gathering came three days after Prince Harry's plea for reconciliation following his court defeat. The flypast at 1.45pm featured an impressive array of aircraft including the Red Arrows and numerous historic and current military planes The Royal Family turned out in force to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day in London today as Britain remembered the end of the Second World War in Europe. which carry out reconnaissance missions surveying Russian vessels near UK waters which deliver equipment to Ukrainian forces Crowds gathered on The Mall witnessed Typhoon fast jets Fifth generation F-35 Lightning fighters completed the spectacular aerial showcase that honoured those who fought for peace in Europe the royals observed a military procession from a specially built dais on the Queen Victoria Memorial outside Buckingham Palace The procession featured 1,300 members of the armed forces and NATO allies marching through London Buckingham Palace hopes the position of senior royals at the forefront of VE Day commemorations will refocus attention on their unifying role and positive contribution to public life Thousands of people packed the streets to witness the spectacle as four days of commemorations began hundreds of street parties are being held while formal military events take place in London Charles will also host a tea party for some of the last living heroes of the conflict and their families Queen and other members of The Royal Family are much looking forward to all the week's VE Day events when they will unite with the rest of the nation and those across the Commonwealth and wider world in celebrating commemorating and giving thanks to the wartime generation." The aide added that their "selfless devotion duty and service should stand as an enduring example to us all." Kate wore an elegant dress by Emilia Wickstead paired with a hat by Sean Barratt and an RAF wings brooch Queen Camilla was dressed in a sapphire blue wool crepe dress and coat Charles was wearing Naval Uniform No.1 dress mirroring what his grandfather King George VI wore on the palace balcony on VE Day in 1945 William appeared in RAF No.1 Uniform for the significant occasion She complemented her outfit with the 12th Royal Lancers Brooch representing the regiment of her late father Major Bruce Shand News | UK Buckingham Palace’s famous balcony hosted the royal family’s VE Day commemorations 80 years after King George VI first marked the Second World War’s end from the same spot The historic moment saw thousands flock to The Mall in 1945 and the scenes were repeated on Monday as crowds gathered to greet the King and Queen and watch an RAF flypast after an armed forces parade through the capital sat with veterans as the current crop of servicemen and women marched past in recognition of those who served to defeat Hitler’s Nazi regime and bring peace to Europe who in past public appearances has stolen the show and during the parade stuck out his tongue and playfully tried to get his father’s attention When the King and Queen stepped onto the balcony, joined by the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children – Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Louis they acknowledged the cheers of well-wishers and watched a Second World War-era Lancaster bomber lead the aerial display The King’s naval No.1 dress uniform reflected the outfit worn by his grandfather George VI on VE Day – May 8 1945 – who with the Queen Mother made eight balcony appearances to satisfy boisterous crowds at the palace gates Planes roared overhead during the aerial display and William chatted to son George while Louis was seen moving his head from side to side apparently trying to get a better sight of the planes who recently celebrated his seventh birthday seems to revel in these public moments and pulled a face of awe as the RAF aircraft flew overhead featuring workhorses like a C-17 Globemaster alongside Typhoon FGR4 fighters later joined his parents when they met veterans at a palace tea party hosted by the King and Queen The afternoon reception is thought to be only a handful of times he has taken part in an official event without his siblings with George joining his parents in 2022 for the Wimbledon Men’s Final and he was taken by William to the Champions League football final at Wembley last summer Prince Louis mimics older brother George during VE Day event Inter Milan XI vs Barcelona: Martinez injury and confirmed team news Meal2Deal: on a mission to make food poverty history William told 101-year-old Alfred Littlefield his son George was “interested” in learning about veterans Louis did not appear fazed by events as he sat with his family watching the parade of 1,300 servicemen and women along The Mall He was seen holding on to William’s gold aiguillettes the braided loops hanging from his shoulder of his RAF No.1 uniform and sticking out his hands palms up as if he was testing for rain When the Waleses arrived and departed they shook hands with veterans sat with them and their children greeted Royal British Legion veteran Bernard Morgan who was sat next to Kate and showed her photographs Charles was sat next to Joy Trew who served as a wireless operator after enlisting in the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force aged 17 in 1944 The veteran who was sat in a wheelchair with a blanket on her lap said about the King “He bent down and tucked me in,” to prevent her getting chilly Also among the royal party were the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence and Duke of Kent a cousin of Queen Elizabeth II Prince Louis steals the show at VE Day parade as he keeps dad William looking sharp and mimics brother George Prince Louis steals show with sweet antics at VE parade VE Day 2025 fashion: best looks from the day VE Day 2025 fashion: Princess of Wales to Lady Victoria Starmer Ukraine 'launches stunning Kursk offensive' in major blow for Putin ahead of Victory Day celebrations Ukraine 'launches stunning Kursk offensive' in blow for Putin UK tourists face major travel shake-up as Dubai airport set to close Royals watch historic flypast as huge crowds turns out for VE Day 80th anniversary  Royals watch historic Red Arrows flypast for VE Day 80th anniversary A waving King Charles and Queen Camilla led the royals to the balcony and were greeted by huge cheers from the tens of thousands of people on The Mall Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Britain has today begun its commemorations to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day News | London Thousands of people have lined the streets of central London on Bank Holiday Monday to hear a performance of Churchill’s speech and take in a military procession and a flypast to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day Armed forces from Nato allies joined a procession in London to mark the end of the Second World War in Europe as Sir Keir Starmer said this week’s events are a reminder that victory was “not just for Britain” The words of Sir Winston Churchill’s 1945 victory speech, spoken by actor Timothy Spall, began the commemorations, which featured a display by the Red Arrows during a flypast by 23 current and historic military aircraft appearances by senior royals and street parties across the UK The royal family, who watched the flypast from the balcony of Buckingham Palace, are hoping the fallout from Harry’s bombshell security interview will not ‘distract’ from the VE Day celebrations. Downing Street and No10 are also hosting tea parties as the events start the build-up to Thursday which marks exactly 80 years since the Allies formally accepted Germany’s surrender After attending the military procession and flypast earlier today Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer made his way back to Downing Street to play host to guests Downing Street has become the venue for a VE Day tea party Two long tables have been lined with gold and red chairs for the special occasion Bunting is also hanging over the tables and draped over the ground floor windows of No 10 Musicians from the Band of the Grenadier Guards played songs to the guests as they received drinks on arrival Among the guests were Second World War veterans Ruth Brook Klauber and Colin Deverell, both aged 101. Prince George joined his parents — along with King Charles and Queen Camilla — for a tea party at Buckingham Palace for veterans and the members of the wartime generation. Robert Piper, 99, from Southwater in West Sussex, said the King was “very understanding” when he spoke about his service while at the Palace. He said: “He is a very interesting person and he seems very understanding. “We spoke for a while about my service and the memories I have of the war.” Mr Piper said that he has “lots of memories” of the war, which come back to him at night. He added: “The men I served with gave it their all for this country, it’s right they’re still remembered and I hope the young generations keep remembering them. “Today has been superb but very overwhelming.” The uniform worn by the King as he marked the end of the Second World War in Europe reflected what his grandfather George VI wore when he stepped on to the Buckingham Palace balcony on VE Day 80 years ago. Charles wore the naval No.1 dress uniform to see Monday’s military procession and flypast in central London to kick off four days of celebration. The Queen paid tribute to her family’s military legacy with a 12th Royal Lancers brooch – her late father’s regiment – pinned to her sapphire blue wool crepe dress and coat. Her father, Major Bruce Shand, served with the 12th Lancers during the Second World War and was awarded the Military Cross in 1940 during the retreat to Dunkirk, and again in 1942 for his efforts in North Africa, and was later wounded and taken prisoner while fighting in the same region. War survivors, refugees and local families have joined together for a VE Day street party in one of Britain’s most bombed neighbourhoods. The event in the historic Docklands area of east London — one of the locations most heavily hit during the Blitz — was organised by the Bengali Association, local refugee support and other community groups. The celebration featured 1940s music and dancing, Morse code demonstrations and food ranging from BBQ favourites to VE Day biryani. Inside nearby St Peter’s Church, visitors explored an exhibition of family connections to the war, including a poster created by local refugee Abdul Shakoor about the British Indian Army. The Prince of Wales told 101-year-old Alfred Littlefield that his son Prince George is “interested” in learning about veterans, his granddaughter said. Samantha Davidson said: “The Prince said George is very interested in finding out about the veterans. “George even asked my grandfather how old he was during his service.” She said that Mr Littlefield was very happy that George has taken an interest in the past. VE Day 2025 fashion: best looks from the day, Princess of Wales, Princess Charlotte, Lady Victoria Starmer flew over the palace as part of the VE Day celebrations The page you are looking for cannot be found You may have followed a broken or outdated link Ian Payne is Leading Britain's Conversation A fly past by the red arrows has dazzled crowds as part of celebrations to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day Applause erupted as the 9 Red Arrows soared past Buckingham Palace and the Pall Mall leaving a stream of red The King and Queen alongside other members of the royal family watched on the palace balcony reached the palace at 1.45pm with more planes following behind 23 aircraft took part in the fly past over central London as part of the commemoration events Thousands have lined the streets to get a glimpse of the celebrations - as well as the Royal Family Crowds along the Mall cheered as the Red Arrows flew over Buckingham Palace Many people held their phones high in the air to record the moment as the aircraft flew over the palace Politicians including Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch have joined veterans on the Buckingham Palace garden steps to watch the flyover They were joined by actor Timothy Spall and were serenaded by a brass band as they waited for the aircraft waved and pointed as the first planes flew over the palace Among those who saw the flypast from Buckingham Palace was Ruth Barnwell who joined the Women's Royal Naval Service aged 17 when her brother's friend was killed on HMS Hood which was sunk during the Battle of the Denmark Strait on May 24 1941 by the German battleship Bismarck Prince George has joined his mother and father the Prince and Princess of Wales to meet veterans at Buckingham Palace He was seen alongside William chatting with 101-year-old Alfred Littlefield Kate was seated alongside veteran Joe Mines See more Latest News See more World News See more More Topics Prince Louis’s VE Day antics have Bev Turner and Andrew Pierce in stitches as young royal ‘rolls eyes’ at brother. Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte were absent from a special tea party at Buckingham Palace this afternoon but their elder brother Prince George did attended the gathering. The young royals had earlier joined their parents, the Prince and Princess of Wales, for VE Day commemorations alongside King Charles and Queen Camilla. Despite participating in the significant Second World War commemoration event, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis did not attend the subsequent reception for veterans. The royal children were part of a larger family gathering marking the VE Day celebrations. The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, The Princess Royal and Sir Tim Laurence, and The Duke of Kent also attended the event. The Prime Minister joined the Royal Family for this important tribute to those who served during the Second World War. Later in the day, King Charles, as Patron of the Royal British Legion, and Queen Camilla hosted a tea party for veterans and members of the Second World War generation. Around 50 veterans and people who lived through the war attended the special reception at Buckingham Palace. The royal children were part of a larger family gathering marking the VE Day celebrations today Prince George joined senior royals at the gathering. Guests at the tea party included veterans from British and Commonwealth Armed Forces, WRENs, and Special Operations Executives. The Marble Corridor of Buckingham Palace was decorated with bunting made from recycled fabrics from the Royal estates. Family members and carers accompanied the veterans to the special reception. The event brought together multiple generations of royals to pay tribute to the wartime generation. The Prince and Princess of Wales joined Their Majesties at the reception, along with other senior royals. The Prime Minister was also present to honour those who contributed to the war effort on the home front. Thousands of people lined the roads around the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace on Monday as British and allied troops paraded past at the start of four days of pageantry to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe After Big Ben tolled at the stroke of noon, actor Timothy Spall recited the victory speech that Winston Churchill delivered to a roaring crowd in central London on May 8 Britain started its commemorations of V-E Day three days early because Monday is a public holiday in the U.K The Cenotaph It was the first time that the memorial had been draped in the flags since it was unveiled by King George V in 1920 About 1,300 members of the British armed forces are being joined by troops from the United Kingdom's NATO allies and Ukraine — a nod to the present war in Europe. The procession started in Parliament Square and swept past Buckingham Palace, where King Charles III took the salute. Maria Crook, 69, who wore a hat with red, white and blue ribbons, traveled from Devon to London to watch the procession. “I think it’s extremely important to pay our respects and honor those who have died for us,” she said. WATCH NOW: Royal Family to celebrate VE Day. Princess Kate is set to pay a "moving tribute" with her jewellery when she arrives at Buckingham Palace today The Princess of Wales is joining her husband as well as King Charles and Queen Camilla in London for celebrations to mark VE Day the Duke of Kent and the Prime Minister will also be present on the Queen Victoria Memorial (QVM) outside Buckingham Palace This group will observe military units processing down The Mall from Whitehall in honour of those who served during World War Two Princess Kate set for 'moving tribute' when she arrives at Buckingham Palace today the Royal Family will return to Buckingham Palace before appearing on the balcony to watch a flypast Tobias Kormind, the managing director and co-founder of 77 Diamonds, Europe’s largest online diamond jeweller, spoke exclusively to GB News about what the royal women are expected to wear today. He said: “With a wide range of events set to take place to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day, we can expect to see a rich variety of significant jewels worn by the senior royal women. “Each chosen piece will not only reflect personal sentiment but pay tribute to the enduring spirit of the wartime generation. Princess Kate and Prince William will attend a tea party at Buckingham Palace “The VE day procession in particular offers the opportunity to showcase a mixture of historic brooches, symbolic pieces linked to military service, and heirlooms with strong personal and national meaning. “For example, Catherine, Princess of Wales, who has been the honorary Colonel-in-Chief of the Irish Guards since 2022, may choose to wear an 18K gold shamrock traditionally loaned to royal women associated with the regiment. “Alternatively, Queen Camilla or the Princess of Wales may opt for the aquamarine and diamond clip brooches gifted to Queen Elizabeth II by her father, King George VI, in 1944. “The late Queen notably wore these brooches during her televised address marking the 75th anniversary of VE day in 2020. Princess Kate wearing her gold shamrock brooch during the St Patrick's Day parade Kate and Camilla pictured at a glitzy reception at Buckingham Palace “Their reappearance would serve as a moving familial tribute, underscoring the deep, historic connections between the Royal Family and the wartime generation." Later on today, the King and Queen will welcome around 50 veterans and people who lived through World War Two for a tea party reception at Buckingham Palace. The Prince and Princess of Wales, The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, the Princess Royal, Timothy Laurence and the Duke of Kent will join Their Majesties and the Prime Minister, meeting veterans during the reception. govt and politics"},{"score":0.567889,"label":"/family and parenting/children"},{"score":0.566264,"label":"/travel/traveling with kids"},{"score":0.565522,"label":"/business and industrial/business operations/business plans"},{"score":0.563541,"label":"/travel/transports"},{"score":0.551005,"label":"/law The King’s naval No.1 dress uniform reflected the outfit worn by his grandfather George VI on May 8 1945.Buckingham Palace’s famous balcony hosted the royal family’s VE Day commemorations 80 years after King George VI first marked the Second World War’s end from the same spot.The historic moment saw thousands flock to The Mall in… You must be a member to access this content View Membership Levels The views expressed in the comments below are not those of Perspective homophobic and other types of hateful comments will not be published Veterans smiled and looked up as the Red Arrows flew over the palace.Senior royals waved to thousands of people from the Buckingham Palace balcony as a Red Arrows flypast continued the commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe.The King and Queen Your email address will not be published. The views expressed in the comments below are not those of Perspective. We encourage healthy debate, but racist, misogynistic, homophobic and other types of hateful comments will not be published. The King and Queen appeared on the Buckingham Palace balcony today to mark VE Day 80 celebrations. They were joined by their grandchildren from the Prince and Princess of Wales. Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis stood alongside Their Majesties to watch the spectacular flypast over central London. The spectacular flypast roared over Buckingham Palace, creating a memorable five-minute display over central London. The carefully choreographed event brought together aircraft from RAF bases across the country. The planes joined holding patterns over south east England before forming up for the final approach over the palace. The impressive aerial display featured F-35M Lightning jets and Typhoons thundering over London. A historic Lancaster bomber, one of the most famous heavy bombers used in the Second World War, also took part in the flypast. The Red Arrows provided the finale, leaving their distinctive vapour trails across the London sky. Prince George, 11, is the eldest of the three children and has been spotted following his football team Aston Villa in Europe with his father this season. Princess Charlotte recently celebrated her 10th birthday, with her parents sharing a photo from a trip to Cumbria earlier in the year. Seven-year-old Prince Louis is remembered for stealing the show with his mischievous faces during Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee balcony appearance. SUPPORT OUR JOURNALISM: Please consider donating to keep our website running and free for all - thank you! Prince George has joined his parents, the Prince and Princess of Wales, as they helped The King and Queen host a very special tea party at Buckingham Palace. King Charles and Queen Camilla threw open the doors of the Palace for a special celebration for veterans of World War Two as they led commemorations for the 80th anniversary of VE Day. William and Catherine were expected to join them but they brought a surprise of their own as Prince George, 11, came along to join the veterans at the event. The guests enjoyed tea and cake as they chatted with members of the Royal Family on a day filled with pageantry and poignancy. The party was held in the Marble Corridor of Buckingham Palace which was decked in bunting made from fabric recycled from across the Royal Estate. As the VE Day commemorations got under way. veterans joined the Royal Family on a special platform at the Victoria Memorial outside Buckingham Palace to watch a spectacular military parade. The dais was decked in red, white and blue with bunting and filled with dignitaries including the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer. As the Royal Family arrived, they all stopped to shake hands with many of the veterans presents with Prince George and his sister, Princess Charlotte, 10 and their younger brother, seven year old Prince Louis, joining the greetings. Later, The King led the Royal Family on to the balcony to watch a fly past. Prince Louis, as usual, appeared the most excited by the events. In a touching moment, the Duke of Kent remained central on the balcony, just behind The King, to watch the flypast. The Duke, 88, is the only Royal Family member present who was alive during World War Two. The King had earlier taken the salute at the parade. Hebe Campbell | Monday 05 May 2025 13:20 BST Senior and young members of the royal family gathered to watch a Red Arrows flypast on the Buckingham Palace balcony marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day (VE Day) on Monday The planes flew a several-hundred-mile route beginning at RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire and ending in northwest London Thousands of people lined the Mall in London to watch and celebrate the historic occasion The royals presented a united front on the balcony, despite renewed tensions between the Palace and Prince Harry over the weekend. Kim Kardashian wears Marilyn Monroe’s dress As Baltimore begins the process of planning to replace the Francis Scott Key Bridge, labor experts have pointed to how Latino workers will be the one who rebuild it. Anderson Clayton attends the North Carolina Young Democrats Convention in Durham. 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Eddie Hearn storms off stage at Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor Benn press conference. Floodwaters rage across Yelville as residents evacuated from homes Googlebox stars stuck in Jamaica as Hurricane Beryl makes landfall: ‘I want to get out’. Cars swept away in New Mexico flash floods after wildfires charred the region Lady Gaga plays show to estimated 2.1m fans at free beach concert Sian Welby on why she kept pregnancy hidden from This Morning bosses. King Charles and other senior royals joined veterans and crowds to watch a grand military parade and flypast at the start of four days of commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day. The government has planned a series of events in the run-up to the anniversary of Nazi Germany's unconditional surrender that took effect on May 8, 1945. It is observed around that date in many countries, including France, the United States and Russia. More than 1,300 members of Britain's armed forces marched through central London from outside parliament to Buckingham Palace, watched by the king, who offered a salute as they passed, alongside Queen Camilla, Prince William and his wife Kate, Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and veterans of the conflict. Monday's parade concluded with a flypast by historic military aircraft and the Royal Air Force's Red Arrows display team, watched by the royals from the balcony of Buckingham Palace, as crowds, many of them carrying national flags - the red, white and blue Union Jack - flocked below to take in the spectacle. As the royals watched the parade and flypast, observers were reminded of Queen Elizabeth's daring feat in 1945 on VE Day. The late Queen Elizabeth, then a 19-year-old princess, and her younger sister Margaret famously slipped out to join the throng outside Buckingham Palace, believed to be the only time during her 96 years she mingled with the public unrecognised.  Prince Harry gives new interview after court case defeat. Buckingham Palace has issued a statement following Prince Harry's bombshell interview after the Duke of Sussex lost his appeal this afternoon King Charles's youngest son lost his legal battle for taxpayer-funded armed police protection when in the UK leaving him potentially liable for £1.5 million in costs Prince Harry did a TV interview with the BBC where he discussed his ongoing feud with members of the monarchy The Duke of Sussex expressed his desire for reconciliation with the Royal Family amid ongoing tensions When asked if he had pleaded with the King to intervene in the security dispute Harry clarified: "I never asked him to intervene - I asked him to step out of the way and let the experts do their jobs." The Duke suggested the King has the power to resolve the situation "There is a lot of control and ability in my father's hand ultimately this whole thing could be resolved through him," Harry explained He added that resolution could come "not necessarily by intervening but by stepping aside allowing the experts to do what is necessary and to carry out an RMB." The Duke lost his appeal in court over his security arrangements which he described as "devastating" in the interview conducted in California A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said following the verdict: "All of these issues have been examined repeatedly and meticulously by the courts with the same conclusion reached on each occasion." The case centred on a decision by the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec) that Harry should receive a different degree of protection when visiting the country Today the Court of Appeal ruled against the Duke Sir Geoffrey Vos acknowledged the Duke's position stating: "These were powerful and moving arguments and that it was plain the Duke of Sussex felt badly treated by the system." he concluded: "Having studied the detail I could not say that the Duke's sense of grievance translated into a legal argument to challenge RAVEC's decision." The Master of the Rolls was definitive in his judgment adding: "My conclusion was that the Duke of Sussex's appeal would be dismissed." will not be automatically reinstated for Harry Meghan and their two children when in the UK Jordan Buckingham praised his fellow overseas quick Ben Sears after the New Zealander steamed in late in the day to oust key man Ed Barnard to give Yorkshire a late-evening boost on day one against Warwickshire at Headingley The White Rose and the Bears traded blows during an action-packed 16-wicket day which saw the visitors close on 161-6 in reply to 205 all out Both camps assessed the position of this Rothesay County Championship contest as evenly poised though Barnard was threatening to give the visitors the advantage having made his way nicely into the forties who had earlier struck in his first over to get Hamza Shaikh caught behind returned to get Barnard caught at second slip by Adam Lyth for 41 Sears (2-38 from 10 overs) and Australian Buckingham (1-51 from eight) shared three wickets “We bowled pretty well in patches,” said Australia A bowler Buckingham “I know he leaked a couple through one of the overs before he got that wicket But he just bowls that quick that the ball just races away out here So it’s actually quite fun watching him bowl and I’m glad I’m not on the other team Buckingham said: “I think it was probably a good toss to win in the end but there’s still plenty in the wicket It’s probably pretty evenly poised at the moment “Mousley and Barnard put on a great partnership there So to get one back and get the nightwatchman out there and put a few up him hopefully we can get him early tomorrow and then run through them.” He continued: “We scrapped hard (with the bat) We probably just lost wickets at crucial times there I think it’s still bowler-friendly conditions and there’s plenty in the wicket and hopefully they’re not getting much past that.”  Buckingham arrived at Headingley only a few days ago ahead of a four-match overseas stint in Division One He has come over having helped South Australia win the state four-day and one-day double during the most recent season Asked how he has settled in with his second county the former Northamptonshire man added: “Yeah I always wanted to come to Headingley as a kid and watch the cricket so to be out here playing is a dream come true but I definitely do come here with confidence “Hopefully I can go really well with the ball and help Yorkshire win games and look towards winning the comp.” Head coach Rich Pyrah hailed a "professional performance" from Yorkshire as they booked their place in the second round of the Vitality T20 County Cup Yorkshire eased into the second round of the inaugural Vitality County T20 Cup competition with a resounding 122-run win over Derbyshire in Harrogate this afternoon Yorkshire Women are in knockout T20 action as the brand new Vitality County Cup kicks off at Harrogate Follow this page for live updates against Derbyshire throughout the afternoon membership and Premium Experiences information and more exciting content from Yorkshire Cricket and the Northern Diamonds straight to your inbox To view our privacy policy, click here. Thousands gathered in front of the palace and on The Mall as the Red Arrows and other RAF planes flew over The King and Queen were joined by the Prince and Princess of Wales Monday is the first day of commemorations of the moment Sir Winston Churchill declared on 8 May it is the first VE Day event without any of the royals who waved to crowds from the balcony in 1945 The King stood to salute as personnel from allies including the US Germany and France joined 1,300 members of the UK armed forces in a march towards Buckingham Palace Crowds also gathered near the Cenotaph - draped in a Union Flag - and fell silent as Big Ben struck 12 o'clock Actor Timothy Spall read extracts from Sir Winston's rousing victory speech from beneath the wartime leader's statue More than 30 Second World War veterans attended the celebrations which included a street party in Downing Street and a tea party inside Buckingham Palace Prince George and his mother were pictured speaking to veterans inside the palace with the King appearing in good spirits as he chatted to guests Monday's parade was officially started by RAF veteran Alan Kennett who in 1945 was in a cinema in Germany when a soldier drove a jeep inside and shouted: "The war is over." The Royal Horse Artillery led the march down Whitehall while members of the Ukrainian military were also cheered and clapped Prince Louis was seen fiddling with his hair in the breezy conditions apparently mimicking Prince George at one point while the Princess of Wales sat next to veteran Bernard Morgan The King's balcony appearance was his first in public since Prince Harry said his father wouldn't speak to him and he didn't know how much longer he had left a Palace aide insisted the royals were "fully focused" on VE Day events after Harry's shock interview VE Day in 1945 marked the end of almost six years of war in Europe in which 384,000 British soldiers and 70,000 civilians were killed It sparked two days of joyous celebrations in London - with an estimated one million people packing the centre of the capital Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said in an open letter to veterans: "VE Day is a chance to acknowledge that our debt to those who achieved it can never fully be repaid." Read more:VE Day commemorations - In picturesHow people celebrated in 1945WWII codebreaker recalls chance encounter with ChurchillVE Day celebrations - what's planned people are celebrating across the UK with street parties Cardiff Castle and Belfast City Hall are among hundreds of buildings which will be lit up from 9pm on Tuesday A new display of almost 30,000 ceramic poppies at the Tower of London will form another tribute a service at Westminster Abbey will begin with a two-minute silence before Horse Guards Parade holds a concert to round off the commemorations Churches and cathedrals across the country will ring their bells as a collective act of thanksgiving at 6.30pm echoing the sounds that swept across the country in 1945 Pubs and bars have also been granted permission to stay open for longer to mark the anniversary - two extra hours past 11pm This is the Coast is committed to providing a daily local news service for the Yorkshire Coast We are a small locally owned and operated business which employs professional journalists and reporters We do not receive any public funding or grants and we are entirely funded by our local commercial operations We enjoy fabulous support from local businesses who work with us on their advertising and marketing campaigns fact checked local news coverage is significant If you appreciate what This is the Coast does and would like to help support our journalism please consider supporting us on a monthly basis today A small contribution from all our readers would really help support independent journalism for the Yorkshire Coast Our Apps are now available for iOS, Android and Smart Speakers. An East Riding health director says Bridlington Hospital could be an ideal location for more minor operations to ease pressure on the NHS. The force have increased the number of people charged or cautioned in North Yorkshire. Alison Hume, the Scarborough and Whitby MP, has raised Scarborough Athletic’s on-going pitch issues with former Premier League star Graeme Le Saux. The parade concluded with a flypast conducted by the RAF which saw an original Lancaster bomber lead in a fleet of modern aircraft culminating in the Red Arrows screeching over Buckingham Palace Royal commentators praised the Royal Family with Prince George drawing praise for his "confident" demeanour Kate and their three children looked like an even tighter royal unit than ever thanks to Louis's more grown-up behaviour and George's disappearing traits of shyness." The 11-year-old also delighted royal fans by attending the veteran's tea party at Buckingham Palace We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy 30,000 ceramic poppies will be lit up at the Tower of London to "mark and reflect on the sacrifices made by so many during the Second World War" The poppies which will be viewed by the Queen were orignally put in place in 2014 to mark 100 years since the start of the Second World War The Prime Minister is hosting veterans and current members of the armed and emergency services outside Number 10 Prince George has been photographed talking with veterans after attending his Grandfather the King's afternoon tea at Buckingham Palace Prince George has joined his parents and the King and Queen for afternoon tea in Buckingham Palace It was previously understood from Kensington Palace that the Wales children would not be joining their parents at the veteran's tea party inside Buckingham Palace so Prince George’s decision to attend the event came as a delight to royal fans Royal expert Judi James suggested that Prince George appeared confident throughout the VE day commemorations thanks to Louis's more grown-up behaviour and George's disappearing traits of shyness." Prince George has joined his parents - along with King Charles and Queen Camilla - for a tea party at Buckingham Palace for veterans and the members of the wartime generation #VEDay80 pic.twitter.com/AWW2PdEghc The flypast and military parade has concluded with the thousands of people who filled the Mall beginning to move on with street parties taking place across the UK will be dressed in Union Flags for the duration of the four day commemorations echoing the 1920 unveiling of the monument to the fallen it will provide a focal point for the commemorations and a place to pay silent tribute to all those who died More photographs of the Red Arrows storming over Buckingham Palace have emerged with the Royal Family stood on the balcony to take in the spectacle led by a WW2 Lancaster bomber has wowed crowds along the Mall Queen and members of the Royal Family came out onto the Royal balcony as the veteran aircraft led a procession followed by modern day airframes such as the A400M and C-17 was the Red Arrows who soared down the mall with blue white and red streaking out of thier tails in central London as they all took their seats in the royal box ahead of the military procession George appeared to fix his hair that seemed to have fallen on his face and seconds later Louis appeared to mimic his brother's moment Read the full story here Second World War veteran Gilbert Clarke is escorted into Buckingham Palace following the military procession marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day and in honour of those who served during the Second World War King Charles III takes the salute from the military procession marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day Members of the Ukrainian Armed Forces have marched past Parliament Square as they partake in the military procession The Royals have arrived to watch the military procession and flypast 16 hours ago12:20 Rebecca RobinsonRoyals take their seats as procession approachesThe Royal Family have taken their seats near the Queen Victoria Memorial as the military procession approaches Buckingham Palace Sir Keir Starmer is also in attendance Prince William and Princess Kate have arrived to watch the procession and flypast The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh are also in attendance It will go from Parliament Square to Whitehall King Charles and Queen Camilla have arrived ahead of the military procession and flypast Princess Anne was seen arriving ahead of the VE Day parade this afternoon After a war that killed 384,000 British soldiers and 70,000 civilians George VI said in a broadcast to Britain and the Commonwealth at 9pm on May 8 1945: "Let us remember those who will not come back their sacrifice and endurance in the face of a merciless enemy; let us remember the men in all the services and the women in all the services who have laid down their lives We have come to the end of our tribulation and they are not with us at the moment of rejoicing." The vantage point from which King Charles and Queen Camilla will view the VE Day military parade is from a specially constructed dias on the Queen Victoria Memorial which commemorates her death in 1901 and was unveiled by Charles’s great-grandfather King George V in 1911 There was talk this VE Day parade and flypast might be met with a shrug of the shoulders and some indifference certainly compared to the coronation almost exactly two years ago yet despite the chilly conditions crowds are starting to build with less than 90 minutes until the procession leaves Westminster for Buckingham Palace said it was "right" for Ukrainian and NATO troops to be involved in the march He told BBC Breakfast it serves as a reminder that "allies really do matter" He said: "Eighty years ago we were stronger together and today we are stronger together and it’s just a reminder for us that allies really do matter and it’s nice for them to be able to take part "Today is very much their day and we’re very proud to be able to honour them." Sir Keir Starmer posted a VE Day message online honouring veterans of WWII and other conflicts He wrote on X: "We owe a debt of gratitude to those prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice for our country "That's why we are giving veterans better access to housing we honour all those who have served in our armed forces." People have begun arriving along the Mall in order to secure prime viewing spots for the processsion and flypast this afternoon The map below shows the locations of the military procession and flypast this afternoon The Cenotaph has been covered with Union flags ahead of VE Day The military procession this afternoon will pass the monument Veterans are set to celebrate the end of the Second World War with the Royal Family today will be taking place today to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the end of WW2 in Europe Veterans aged from 98 to 104 are set to meet King Charles for a tea party at Buckingham Palace later today a 99-year-old who served in the Desert Rats and took part in the D-Day landings and a 100-year-old woman who worked in the Special Operations Executive (SOE) according to the Royal British Legion (RBL) They will have prime spots to watch the military parade and flypast in central London as the nation’s VE Day 80th anniversary celebrations begin Rehearsals for the VE Day military procession took place yesterday ahead of today's 80th anniversary celebrations The Met Office has forecast a relatively dry day, with a 40% chance of rain at 12pm, dropping down to 30% at 2pm. The greatest chance of rain will be at 1pm, when it's predicted to be 50%. Overall, temperatures should be mild, ranging between 12C and 14C. King Charles and Queen Camilla will appear on the balcony to watch the Mall procession and Red Arrows flypast. The Prince and Princess of Wales, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, Princess Anne and Sir Tim Laurence are all expeced to join. There has been no confirmation yet as to whether Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis will be seen. The ceremony will involve actor Timothy Spall reading Sir Winston Churchill's victory speech. The military procession will prepare to make its way to Buckingham Palace. The procession will go from Parliament Square to Whitehall, past the Cenotaph, along The Mall, and ending at the Queen Victoria Memorial. The flypast will take place over The Mall and Buckingham Palace. The public will be allowed onto The Mall after the military procession has finished to get a better view of the flypast. Good morning and welcome to our live coverage of VE Day. Follow along throughout the day for all the latest updates. order back issues and use the historic Daily Express newspaper archive Daily Express uses notifications to keep you updated Prince William and Kate Middleton were joined by Prince George Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis on the balcony of Buckingham Palace to watch the flypast to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day Buckingham Palace said King Charles and Queen Camilla  together with members of the Royal Family attended events on anniversary of VE Day marking the end of the Second World War in Europe the office of the Prince and the Princess of Wales separately shared photos of William and Kate with their children as they gathered outside the palace The royal family joined veterans and crowds to watch a grand military parade and flypast at the start of four days of commemorations The government has planned a series of events in the run-up to the anniversary of Nazi Germany's unconditional surrender that took effect on May 8 It is observed around that date in many countries More than 1,300 members of Britain's armed forces marched through central London from outside parliament to Buckingham Palace Monday's parade concluded with a flypast by historic military aircraft and the Royal Air Force's Red Arrows display team watched by the royals from the balcony of Buckingham Palace many of them carrying national flags - the red white and blue Union Jack - flocked below to take in the spectacle who waved to the onlookers gathered outside were also due to host about 50 veterans and others who lived through the war for a tea party inside the palace we're happy to send you some reminders Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications Home> News> Royal Family Buckingham Palace has responded to Prince Harry's comments about not wanting 'history to repeat itself' The Prince has made headlines following a bombshell interview with the BBC on Friday 2 May, where he revealed that his father, King Charles III, no longer speaks to him Prince Harry used the interview to speak about the legal battle that took place to have his taxpayer-funded security arrangements in the UK reinstated Since he made the decision to step down as a senior Royal, the security he was entitled to in the country changed, which he said put his family at risk Since moving to Canada, and then the US with his wife Meghan Markle as well as children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet he has been vocal about his security status He claimed of his downgraded taxpayer-funded protection for his family: "I don't want history to repeat itself." Harry added: "Through the [court] process I have discovered that some people want history to repeat itself." probably most likely the people that wish me harm speaking about the circumstances in which his mother died when he was a 12-year-old child Princess Diana was killed in a fatal car crash alongside her partner Dodi Fayed and her driver Henri Paul in the early hours of 31 August Buckingham Palace had responded to Harry's claims with a cold blunt statement that read: "These issues have been examined meticulously by the courts with the same conclusion on each occasion." A source added to the Daily Mail: "It would have been constitutionally improper for His Majesty to intervene while this matter was being considered by the Government and reviewed by the Courts." Prince Harry said he would not bring his family back to the UK revealing he had 'so many disagreements' with his family as some hadn't forgiving him for writing a book He added that he feels 'the other side' in the case won when it came to keeping him 'unsafe' as his efforts to reinstate having police bodyguards in his homeland were rebuked Harry said he was 'devastated' at the result and he laughed while revealing he wishes that 'someone had told me beforehand' there was virtually 'no way to win' Topics: Prince Harry, Royal Family, King Charles III, Meghan Markle, UK News InstagramXThreadsSnapchatTikTokYouTubeLAD Entertainment The ad-free version is ready for purchase on iOS mobile app today we couldn't find that page";var n=e.querySelector("h2");return n&&n.remove(),{staticContent:e,title:t}},d=function(e){var t=document.createElement("button");return t.innerText=e,t.classList.add("error-page-button"),t},f=function(e){var t=document.createElement("div");t.id="recirculation-404",t.classList.add("brand-hint-bg");var n="\n \n \n Tick here if you would like us to send you the author’s response Buckingham Palace has issued a statement in reaction to Prince Harry's BBC interview following his failed legal challenge over his security arrangements in the UK was handed down yesterday after the 40-year-old Duke contested the initial ruling by High Court judge Sir Peter Lane in February of the previous year That ruling had affirmed that the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec) acted correctly in withdrawing his high-level police protection during his time in the UK The appeal was dismissed on Friday by Sir Geoffrey Vos, Lord Justice Bean, and Lord Justice Edis. Subsequently, the duke spoke with the BBC from California expressing his dissatisfaction with the verdict and suggesting that his father could have "resolved" the matter He further alleged his security privileges in the UK were diminished in 2020 as a tactic to persuade him and Meghan Markle to remain within the Royal establishment, reports the Express The duke stated: "Everybody knew that they were putting us at risk in 2020 and they hoped that me knowing that risk would force us to come back." A spokesperson for the Palace addressed Harry's comments to the BBC stating: "All of these issues have been examined repeatedly and meticulously by the courts The duke told the BBC that he is not currently on talking terms with King Charles and does not know how long he has left He said the King "won't speak" to him because of "this security stuff" Harry also said he does not think his father will ever want to talk about the court case with him Harry's bombshell interview with the BBC today came just after it was announced King Charles and Queen Camilla are set to visit Canada later this month It has also coincided with Princess Charlotte's 10th birthday celebrations Get all the latest celebrity and TV news straight to your inbox by signing up to our newsletter here. Story SavedYou can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right The King and Queen were joined by other senior royals on the royal balcony to watch the VE day military procession celebrating 80 years since Allied victory in the Second World War There was applause from the crowds as the King and Queen took their seats to watch the military procession arrive at Buckingham Palace They have joined other royals and Second World War veterans on the Queen Victoria Memorial outside Buckingham Palace to observe military units processing down The Mall from Whitehall A military procession of more than 1,000 people is making its way to Buckingham Palace today as the Royal family - including Kate and William and their children - watches on from the Buckingham Palace balcony cadets and scouts watching on cheered and waved to the royals from nearby The King stood and saluted as the start of the procession reached the Queen Victoria Memorial Read More: VE Day commemorations begin as UK marks 80th anniversary of Allied victory Read More: VE Day veteran remembers 'gobsmacking' moment he bumped into father during Normandy invasion Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis were last seen together in public when they attended the Christmas Day church service on the Sandringham Estate Prince Louis briefly struggled to gain the attention of his father Prince William tugging his uniform and tapping his shoulder The RAF Red Arrows did a flypast before the Windsors’ arrival and the royals are expected to host veterans for tea after the parade Actor Timothy Spall began the celebrations by reading extracts of then-PM Winston Churchill’s 1945 VE Day victory speech The King's naval No.1 dress uniform reflected the outfit worn by his grandfather George VI on VE Day - May 8 1945 - who with the Queen Mother made eight balcony appearances to satisfy boisterous crowds at the palace gates Planes roared overhead during the aerial display and William chatted to son George See more Latest Royal Family News The Buckingham Palace on Monday released a statement detailing the  royal family's engagements related to celebrations for the 80th anniversary of VE (Victory in Europe) Day will attend events commemorating the 80th Anniversary of VE Day marking the end of the Second World War in Europe." together with Members of the Royal Family and the Prime Minister will join Second World War veterans to watch a military procession and flypast The King and Queen will host a Tea Party for veterans and members of the Second World War generation at Buckingham Palace The Queen will view a new display of ceramic poppies at The Tower of London will attend a Service of Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey The King and Queen will attend a live celebratory concert from Horse Guards Parade to conclude the national VE Day commemorations accompanied by Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence will mark the 80th anniversary of the Liberation of Guernsey and Sark in the Channel Islands King Charles III and his wife Queen Camilla invited special guests at Buckingham Palace after kicking off the four days of celebrations to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day King Charles and Queen Camilla were in good spirits as they hosted a lavish tea party at the Palace in honour of war veterans The royal family's official Instagram account shared the behind-the-scenes video of the preparations of the tea party The stunning clip was captioned: "All set for our very special guests!" It continued: "Royal Household staff have been working hard behind-the-scenes to put on a celebratory tea party for #VEDay veterans." The Palace added: "As well as traditional teatime treats staff have made unique bunting from off-cuts of fabrics used in Royal residences." Members of the monarchy turned out in force to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day in London on Monday as Britain remembered the end of the Second World War in Europe National commemorations and events began on May 5 with a military procession of 1,300 members of the armed forces VE Day 80: Four-day celebrations at glance: -- A military procession from Whitehall to Buckingham Palace followed by a flypast  -- Tea party for veterans at Buckingham Palace -- Street parties were also held around the country -- An installation of ceramic poppies at the Tower of London and historic landmarks across the UK will be lit up -- Service of thanksgiving in Westminster Abbey -- Concert with music and readings at Horse Guards Parade The youngest son of the Prince and Princess of Wales stole hearts with his antics at the VE Day processions Kelsey Grammer visits the site of his sister’s tragic death The 11-year-old young royal took part in the special tea festivity Jenna Ortega's 'Wednesday' season 2 has been teased by the makers Prince Harry dragged through the mud with Thomas Markle comparison Barry Williams opens up about portraying Greg Brady in 'The Brady Bunch' Copyright © 2025. The News International, All Rights Reserved | Contact Us | Authors Buckingham Palace had a special guest in attendance for a tea party this afternoon-Prince George the eldest child of Prince William and Princess Kate joining other senior royals at the gathering Guests at the tea party included veterans from the British and Commonwealth Armed Forces Prince George and his siblings had joined their parents for VE Day commemorations in central London where King Charles and Queen Camilla led the solemn ceremony marking the end of the Second World  War in Europe joined by the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh who has been barred from participating in major royal events It is worth noting that Prince Andrew stepped down from public duties in May 2020 and was later stripped of his patronages by the late Queen due to ongoing scrutiny over his association with Jeffrey Epstein Blake Lively talks about ongoing controversy at 'Another Simple Favor' promotion WATCH NOW: King Charles and Queen Camilla host cancer reception at Buckingham Palace made a surprise appearance at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday evening joining King Charles at a reception celebrating cancer organisations The 65-year-old's attendance marked a rare inclusion at an official royal engagement since her divorce from Prince Andrew in 1996 Queen Camilla and the Duchess of Gloucester to welcome fellow cancer survivors and those who support them The unexpected appearance came during the Community Based Cancer Support Reception at the Palace Sarah Ferguson returns to Buckingham Palace as King and Queen make feelings clear Sarah's appearance comes after her own challenging health journey having been diagnosed with breast cancer in June 2023 which required a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery she faced another diagnosis of malignant melanoma making her attendance at the cancer charity event particularly poignant The Duchess revealed she had been "kindly invited" to the reception by King Charles Her presence alongside her former brother-in-law demonstrated solidarity in their shared experiences with cancer King Charles is 'done grieving' his cancer diagnosis and is 'ready to get out and discuss it' The Duchess has a long history of supporting cancer charities having worked with the Teenage Cancer Trust for 35 years She was named a patron of the organisation in 1990 and worked with the American Cancer Society throughout the 2000s Fergie became a patron of Prevent Breast Cancer further cementing her dedication to the cause she visited the Teenage Cancer Trust at University College Hospital with her daughters Sarah Ferguson and Princess Eugenie stepping out for a royal engagement last week "It's incredibly important to me to try and amplify the voices and experiences of people with cancer," she said Sarah's appearance follows her recent inclusion at the Royal Family's Easter Sunday celebrations at Windsor Castle on April 20 In what was described as a "shock move" The occasion featured a touching moment when Fergie embraced her former sister-in-law The two women were seen briefly holding hands and chatting animatedly before Sophie wrapped an arm around Fergie Sarah Ferguson has revealed that receiving a cancer diagnosis felt 'like a death sentence' as she backs a campaign to improve teenage cancer care Sarah's appearance at Buckingham Palace represents a significant moment in her relationship with the Royal Family since her divorce Her presence reflects both her personal understanding of cancer and her lifelong commitment to supporting those affected by the disease Fergie offered support to both King Charles and the Princess of Wales during their cancer treatments "I think they are an example to all families going through their own journeys of health," she said The reception highlighted the Royal Family's united front in supporting cancer charities.