King Charles & Camilla arrive at VJ Day ceremony as monarch hails ‘courage & camaraderie' of heroes on 80th anniversary
LEST WE FORGET King Charles & Camilla arrive at VJ Day ceremony as monarch hails 'courage & camaraderie' of heroes on 80th anniversary
THE King has hailed the "courage and camaraderie" of heroes who fought in the Pacific and Far East after arriving at a service marking the 80th anniversary of VJ Day.
Appearing today at the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas, Staffordshire, alongside Camilla the king looked sharp in his full military dress.
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Camilla stuck by her husbands side throughout the day
Credit: Reuters
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Sir Keir Starmer was also spotted at the memorial service
Credit: AFP
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The service drew to a close with a fly-past by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight
Credit: Getty
He went on to address those gathered at the memorial alongside Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer as the nation came together to mark VJ Day.
Charles was pictured alongside Camilla, giving a military salute as the memorial went on.
The King spoke out to acknowledged the destruction caused by the atomic bombing that ended the war during his speech.
Speaking about the devastation of nuclear weapons The King described the "immense price" on Japan's citizens as one "we pray no nation need ever pay again."
His reflection on nuclear weapons comes at a time of increased concern about the global threat of nuclear conflict.
Charles, Camilla and other senior figures left floral tributes at the memorial earlier today.
A national two-minute silence was held at noon today with Charles and other attendees at the memorial bowing their heads in contemplation.
Also at the event as guests of honour were 33 veterans aged from 96 to 105, who served in the Far East and Pacific.
The service drew to a close with a fly-past by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, before the King and Queen attend a reception with Second World War veterans.
Earlier in the day Charles broadcast a six minute audio address to the nation to mark the passing of VJ Day.
King Charles marks 80th anniversary of VJ Day with six-minute address echoing his grandfather George VI
His earlier broadcast echoed that made by his grandfather, King George VI, in 1945.
During the audio message he described how the heroes of VJ Day 'gave us more than freedom – they left us the example of how it can and must be protected'.
His poignant words described the "horrors and heroism witnessed in those furthest fields of combat."
Charles vowed the service and sacrifice of VJ Day heroes "shall never be forgotten."
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Charles and other senior royals were pictured paying their respects at the memorial
Credit: Reuters
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Charles was seen saluting in full military dress alongside Camilla
Credit: Getty
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Sir Keir Starmer and other dignitaries laid wreaths at the memorial service
Credit: Reuters
He went on to tell their families and the 'sadly dwindling band of veterans' "Please know that the courage and camaraderie displayed in humanity's darkest hour is a flame that shall blaze for eternity - a beacon that honours our past and guides our future."
The Prince and Princess of Wales took to social media to add their voice to the remembrance, speaking of an "enduring debt" owed to the greatest generation.
Kate and Wills spoke of an "enduring debt" owed to the greatest generation in a touching tribute.
The message from Kate and Wills came shortly after the King's recorded audio address aired at 7.30am across the UK and Commonwealth.
VJ Day on August 15 marks the anniversary of the end of the six-year-long war.
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