King Charles to address nation next week
King Charles has pre-recorded an audio message that will be broadcast on August 15, Buckingham Palace has confirmed
King Charles III during a visit to RAF Lossiemouth in Moray
(Image: PA)
Buckingham Palace has announced that King Charles will address the nation next week, in commemoration of the 80th anniversary of VJ Day.
The King has pre-recorded an audio message scheduled for broadcast on August 15, marking the anniversary of Japan's surrender to the Allies after the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, which effectively concluded the Second World War. The Welsh surname that could mean you're related to the Royal family and how to check.
The message will be aired prior to a remembrance service attended by the King and Queen, Second World War veterans, and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here
The BBC will broadcast the service live, honouring all those who served in the Asia-Pacific theatre. This includes recipients of the Burma Star, British Indian Army veterans, former prisoners of war, and those who participated in key battles such as Kohima and Imphal in India.
The Royal British Legion, in collaboration with the Government, is hosting the event. The King and his wife, along with other senior figures, will lay floral tributes, reports the Manchester Evening News.
A national two-minute silence will culminate in an aerial display by the Red Arrows. The service will conclude with a flypast by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, followed by a reception attended by the King and Queen with Second World War veterans.
While Charles and Camilla will be present at the National Memorial Arboretum event, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh are set to attend a service at the Scottish National War Memorial at Edinburgh Castle, organised by the Royal British Legion Scotland.
Simultaneously, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester will join the congregation at the Far East Prisoners of War VJ Day 80th Anniversary Service at Norwich Cathedral. They will then proceed to a second commemorative service dedicated to the Children and Families of the Far East Prisoners of War in Suffolk.
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Before VJ Day, Sophie is scheduled to meet Second World War veteran Jim Wren, who was serving on HMS Repulse when he was captured and held on the Indonesian island of Sumatra until the war's end.
The 80th anniversary of VJ Day commemorations will wrap up with a reception for veterans at Windsor Castle later in the autumn.
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