BBC VE Day 80 viewers 'in tears' over 'remarkable' King Charles moment with veteran
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BBC viewers shared a collective sentiment as they tuned in to the eagerly awaited VE Day 80 celebrations.
The capital's Horse Guards Parade was transformed for the live concert commemorating Victory in Europe Day's 80th anniversary on Thursday (May 8) evening.
Before Zoe Ball stepped up to present the event, King Charles and Queen Camilla joined the audience in the Royal Box, sitting alongside venerable war veterans.
His Royal Highness found himself seated beside centenarian and WWII bomber pilot Harry Richardson, aged 107, who promptly engaged the King in conversation prior to the concert's commencement.
This poignant interaction did not escape the notice of those watching at home, with one viewer commenting on X, known previously as Twitter: "I'm the furthest from a royalist/monarchist, but if fills my heart with such joy seeing a 107 year old veteran centre stage at these VE Day celebrations next to the King. I know how much it would mean to these war heroes! #VEDay.", reports the Mirror.
Another penned: "Harry Richardson a Veteran of the War, is 107 years old! Quite remarkable. Chatting away to the King. As the sun sets on this VE Day, a wonderful Concert gets underway."
A third viewer remarked: "Watching some of the WW2 veterans 105, 107. Honestly, they are as sharp as pins. I've cried countless times, they really are something special #VEDay80."
A fourth person tweeted: ""#VEDay80 watching the show on BBC. I can never love my country more.
We are the greatest on planet Earth. Everyone who died for my country - I love you more than words can say."
(Image: BBC)
The Strictly Come Dancing professionals, including Amy Dowden, Carlos Gu, Karen Hauer, Neil Jones, Lauren Oakley, and Kai Widdrington, dazzled the audience with their stunning choreography, perfectly in sync with Fleur East's show-stopping opening performance.
The impressive lineup boasted an array of talented artists, including Samantha Barks, John Newman, Victor Ray, Freya Ridings, Keala Settle, who was accompanied by the exceptional cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason, Calum Scott, The Darkness, Toploader, Tom Walker, and the renowned classical vocalist Sir Willard White.
(Image: BBC)
Beyond the musical talents, the concert also featured appearances by a host of acclaimed performers. Dames Joan Collins, Mary Berry, and Sheila Hancock lent their voices to the commemorative event, while actor Brian Cox delivered a poignant reenactment of Winston Churchill's legendary wartime address.
VE Day 80 is available to watch on BBC iPlayer
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