King leads the nation at Westminster Abbey service to mark VE Day
The King has led the nation in honouring the sacrifices of those who brought peace to Europe 80 years ago, as a service marking VE Day began.
Charles left a floral tribute at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior, close to Westminster Abbey's west door, on behalf of the nation and Commonwealth, during a poignant moment. A handwritten message from the King, recognising those who fought and died in the Second World War, read: 'We will never forget.'
A national two minutes silence was observed before the simple ceremony, and among the congregation were veterans of the conflict who helped to defeat fascism on the continent during a war that lasted almost six years. The Prince and Princess of Wales and King Charles III and Queen Camilla attend a Service of Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey. / Credit: PA
The Prince of Wales left a wreath a few moments after his father, in a tribute to Second World War veterans and the generation who lived through the conflict.
Both wreaths featured flowers which would have been in bloom in May 1945.
William and his wife left a handwritten note with their wreath which read: 'For those who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Second World War. We will remember them.'
Standing beside them was Ken Hay, 99, who served in the 4th Dorset infantry regiment.
Among the guests were the Queen, the Princess of Wales, the Princess Royal and her husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, the Duke of Kent and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
After almost six years of fighting against Hitler's Nazi regime, peace was declared as wartime prime minister Sir Winton Churchill made a speech on the radio declaring victory in Europe. Great-great-grandson of Winston Churchill, Alexander Churchill, 10, lights the VE Day 80th Candle at Westminster Abbey. / Credit: PA
Today Churchill's great-great-grandson, ten-year-old Alexander Churchill, lit a candle of peace at Westminster Abbey, as young members of the congregation handed out white roses to Second World War veterans.
Four days of commemorative events will culminate on Thursday evening with a concert in London's Horse Guards Parade attended by Charles and Camilla, with performances by The Darkness, Toploader, and classical singer Sir Willard White. People observe a nationwide two-minute silence at the National Memorial Arboretum. / Credit: PA
In town squares, civic halls and churches across the country, town criers will read the VE Day proclamations as church bells toll, flags are raised and beacons are lit to honour veterans and their generation.
Communities will be enjoying street parties, afternoon tea and a drink in the pub as opening hours are extended for an extra two hours.
Across the regions, veterans have spoken to ITV News about their experiences.
Ken Cooke, the last remaining D-Day veteran living in York, recounted the day his boat landed on the Normandy beaches.
'You could hardly see the beach for dust and smoke and explosions', he said.
Mr Cooke went to visit the Normandy graves to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day.
Elsewhere, the families of two Spitfire pilots – Bobby Oxspring and Jimmy Corbin – who fought in the Battle of Britain together, met for the first time to share memories of their relatives.
In Wales, two women who live just ten minutes apart have reunited at the age of 101 to share their memories of working as codebreakers at Bletchley Park.
Kathleen Morris and Gwenfron Picken only recently found out they both worked at the secretive intelligence facility.
Those living in the Channel Islands prepare to celebrate liberation day from Nazi occupation on Friday.
Edith Daghorn reflects on her childhood growing up under German occupation and the struggles islanders felt.
Annie Duplock lied about her age to join the land army as she remembers the hard work she carried out during the war.
80,000 women were enlisted to help run the farms across the country in jobs traditionally done by men. The effort was directed from Balcombe place in Sussex.
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