King to lead VE Day 80th anniversary celebrations
05 May 2025 10:51am
10:51AM
VE Day commemorations to show Britain is 'stronger together'
The Ceremonial Lead of The Household Division has said that today's VE Day commemorations, including a military procession and RAF fly-past, will 'send a message that we are stronger together,' writes India McTaggart.
Garrison Sergeant Major Andrew Stokes, who designed today's parade and trained the 1,300 members of the Armed Forces participating, said: 'The VVIPS today are those veterans who gave so much 80 years ago and we're here to support them.'
'It's a celebration for the nation, for the commonwealth, for the allies, to get together. We were handed freedom 80 years ago and that was absolutely a team effort,' he told Sky News.
He also explained that his commitment to almost four decades in the Armed Forces was 'inspired' by the generation that served in the Second World War.
'Their legacy lives on, their example and their reputation lives on 80 years later.'
10:49AM
What is happening today?
Celebrations in central London begin at midday, when 1,300 soldiers, airmen and sailors will begin marching from Parliament Square to Buckingham Palace.
At 1.45pm, historic aircraft and the Royal Air Force (RAF) Red Arrows will fly past Buckingham Palace as the Royal family gathers on the balcony.
The King and Queen will later host a tea party in the palace gardens and Sir Keir Starmer is hosting a street party on Downing Street.
HMS Belfast, the Second World War frigate now moored in the Thames, will commemorate the day with a gun salute.
Other street parties and picnics will be held across the country.
10:40AM
In pictures: London readies for VE Day
10:38AM
Thousands to gather in central London to mark VE Day
Thousands of people will line the streets of London as four days of commemorations to mark the end of the Second World War in Europe are set to begin.
Nato allies will join 1,300 members of the armed forces for a procession in the city, and the words of Sir Winston Churchill's 1945 victory speech will be spoken by actor Timothy Spall to kick off events for the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day.
The royal family are scheduled to take part in engagements over the next four days, as they hope 'nothing will detract or distract' from the commemorations following the Duke of Sussex's bombshell interview with the BBC.
The King and Queen are 'looking forward' to the week's events, and it is understood that, out of respect for the surviving veterans, Buckingham Palace hopes 'nothing will detract or distract from celebrating with full cheer and proud hearts that precious victory and those brave souls, on this most special and poignant of anniversaries'.
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