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Japan Today
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Japan Today
King Charles calls for global peace as UK marks 80th anniversary of VE Day
King Charles lays a wreath at the grave of the Unknown Warrior during a service of thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey in London on the 80th anniversary of VE Day. Picture date: Thursday May 8, 2025. Jordan Pettitt/Pool via REUTERS ritain's King Charles said on Thursday the world had a duty to commit to seeking lasting peace and preventing warfare in a speech to mark the end of four days of commemorations for the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day. Following a sombre thanksgiving service at Westminster Abbey, Charles and senior royals joined 10,000 guests including veterans for a music concert at Horse Guards Parade near Buckingham Palace as part of events to remember Nazi Germany's unconditional surrender, which took effect on May 8, 1945. The anniversary, which comes at a time of ongoing conflict in Europe with Russia's war in Ukraine, was also marked with events in France and Germany, while Moscow will hold a major military parade on Friday. In a speech at the concert, the British monarch echoed the words of his grandfather George VI from 80 years earlier, saying how those who had died in the cause of freedom in World War Two should never be forgotten. "As we reach the conclusion of the 80th anniversary commemorations, we should remind ourselves of the words of our great wartime leader, Sir Winston Churchill, who said 'Meeting jaw to jaw is better than war'," Charles said. "In so doing, we should also rededicate ourselves not only to the cause of freedom but to renewing global commitments to restoring a just peace where there is war, to diplomacy, and to the prevention of conflict." Earlier the 76-year-old king and heir to the throne Prince William, standing beside elderly veterans in wheelchairs, laid wreaths at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior at the Abbey, while Britain observed a two-minute silence at midday. In Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke of the "sacred" victory over Adolf Hitler, and said his country was standing against "neo-Nazism", a characterization of the current conflict in Ukraine that is strongly rejected by Kyiv. Putin was holding talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is joining Russia's celebrations. French President Emmanuel Macron laid a wreath at the statue of French wartime hero Charles de Gaulle in Paris, where there was also a military parade down the Champs-Elysees avenue. In Berlin, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier addressed the Bundestag, the lower house of Germany's parliament, when he too warned against forgetting the lessons of World War Two. VE Day's 80th anniversary will be one of the last major celebrations with living veterans attending events, as most are now in their 90s or older. During his speech Charles also reflected on how his late mother Queen Elizabeth, then a 19-year-old princess, had joined the crowds on VE Day to celebrate, believed to be the only time during her 96 years she mingled with the public unrecognized. In her diary she wrote how she had "Conga-ed into House. Sang till 2 a.m. Bed at 3 a.m," he said. "I do hope your celebrations tonight are almost as joyful, although I rather doubt I shall have the energy to sing until 2 a.m., let alone lead you all in a giant conga from here back to Buckingham Palace," he told the crowd. (Reporting by Sarah Young and Michael Holden; Additional reporting by Richard Lough in Paris; Editing by Sharon © Thomson Reuters 2025.
Glasgow Times
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Glasgow Times
Archbishop warns ‘good' that came after VE Day is now ‘under threat again'
Stephen Cottrell paid tribute to 'those whose sacrifice made our victory possible' against Hitler's Nazi regime, and said he is praying again for 'peace in Europe' amid Russia's three-year invasion of Ukraine. His address was delivered during a service of thanksgiving to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, with a number of veterans among the Westminster Abbey congregation featuring the King, Queen, Prince and Princess of Wales and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who read the lesson. At noon, a two-minute silence was observed across the country and in the ancient place of worship where Charles was crowned King, and he laid a wreath at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior by the Abbey's great west door on behalf of the nation and Commonwealth. Wreaths laid by the King and the Prince of Wales at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior in Westminster Abbey (Jordan Pettitt/PA) A few moments later, William left his floral tribute on behalf of Second World War veterans and the generation who lived through the conflict. Standing by their side was 99-year-old Ken Hay, who served in the 4th Dorset infantry regiment. Four days of events commemorating the 80th anniversary of VE Day culminate on Thursday evening with a concert in London's Horse Guards Parade. Over the past few days, a military parade was staged in the capital followed by an RAF fly-past watched from Buckingham Palace by the royal family. In his address, the Archbishop said: 'Today, on this 80th anniversary, we give hearty and mighty thanks for those whose sacrifice made our victory possible. We pray again for peace in Europe. 'We salute those who were so committed to the ideas and ideals they fought to uphold, that in the post-war era rebuilt the world to reflect those beliefs. The Prince and Princess of Wales attended the service of thanksgiving (Jordan Pettitt/PA) 'From the National Health Service to the United Nations itself, we strove to build a world that shows how we belong to one another and have responsibilities to each other across boundaries of class, race and nation. 'Those first outpourings of joy on the first VE Day led to something good, because in our opposition of what was worst in us, we discovered what was best. 'All this good is under threat again in our world today.' Europe's major nations including the UK are planning on stepping up spending on their armed forces in response to the changing world order ushered in by US President Donald Trump. Russia is seen as a growing threat in eastern Europe and there is economic uncertainty for many nations coming to terms with America's new tariffs. The Archbishop also alluded to the tumultuous period faced by the Church of England with Justin Welby, the former Archbishop of Canterbury, resigning after the publication of a damning report that set out a series of failings around serial abuser John Smyth associated with the church. Echoing the sentiment of his Christmas sermon, the senior cleric said: 'The Church, like most human institutions, hasn't always lived up to the high standards of its own calling.'
STV News
08-05-2025
- General
- STV News
Women's Air Force veteran celebrates 104th birthday on VE Day
A Scottish Women's Air Force veteran is celebrating her 104th birthday as the UK celebrates VE Day. On May 8, 1945, at 3pm, Winston Churchill announced World War Two in Europe had come to an end. VE Day was declared after Britain and its allies formally accepted Nazi Germany's surrender after almost six years of war. For Maisie Milne, VE Day was a double celebration as she marked her 24th birthday. Ms Milne is a Women's Auxiliary Air Force veteran and was stationed at Upavon RAF base in Wiltshire during the war. Now, 80 years later, she's celebrating her 104th birthday at home in Broughty Ferry with family and friends. Ms Milne recalled the historic day, saying: 'The whole camp went mad. There was just dancing and being happy about it.' She came home after the war and went back to the solicitors' office where she previously worked. 'After that, I wanted a change so went to a quantity surveyor's office,' she said. The war against Japan did not end until August 1945, and the political, social, and economic repercussions of the Second World War were felt long after Germany and Japan surrendered. The King 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-minute 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. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Daily Mirror
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mirror
Kate and King send 'strong royal reminder' with subtle moves amid Harry drama
The Royal Family came together for a special service of thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey today to mark 80 years since VE Day - and one expert believes both the King and Princess of Wales sent a strong message The King and Princess of Wales sent a 'royal reminder' with their subtle gestures at a special service to mark 80 years since VE Day, according to an expert. A huge gathering of royals attended the service at Westminster Abbey today, where they honoured the sacrifices of those who brought peace to Europe. They all observed a national two-minute silence before the King and Prince William laid wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior. The service saw readings from Prime Minister Keir Starmer while Sir Winston Churchill's great-great grandson Alexander Churchill, aged 10, lit the VE Day 80th candle of peace. The VE Day service and commemorations come after last week, when Prince Harry criticised his royal relatives after losing his security case at the Court of Appeal. And body language expert Judi James said it showed the royals "at their best" and reminded everyone of their "impeccable confidence and professionalism". At the end of the moving ceremony, as the royals processed out of the Abbey, the Firm met veterans in the nave at the end of the service. William warmly placed his hand on one veteran's shoulder as he chatted to the former serviceman who stood to speak with the prince and Kate. The princess crouched down to meet one woman, holding her hand as she chatted to the veteran, who was wearing medals and sat in her wheelchair. Meanwhile, the King was seen deep in enthusiastic conversation with several veterans, bending close to speak to them. Judi James told the Mirror: "There was a strong message from the body language of the royals today that they had established a 'New Normal' in terms of going back to basics. This was a professional and drama-free appearance. "Charles looked touched and delighted to be sharing some jokes and gentle touch rituals with the veterans while William and Kate presented the calm elegance of the next generation. "It was Kate being fully immersive during the greeting and chats to the veterans after the service, who illustrated how royal warmth really can look. Her conversations looked animated and authentic, and when she met a woman in a wheelchair, she bent right down to squat on her heels to talk eye-to-eye, with several tactile moments. "Kate's smile only faltered once when she was warned that she needed to move outside. Her expression became firmer, and she seemed to suggest that she wouldn't be hurried in her chats with the people that this service was all about. "Like his daughter-in-law, Charles has become much more tactile with the people he meets. He held hands and arms, and he offered some affectionate pats in a way that he would not have done so naturally prior to his illness." Judi added: "As a display of solid, impeccable confidence and professionalism, the Firm turned out an immaculate performance today, reminding the public how royals used to be before two generations of drama. The focus here was on the veterans rather than the royals." On May 8 1945, the nation celebrated Victory in Europe (VE) Day, as church bells rang out across the country and people gathered to revel in the end of hostilities, and crowds famously gathered outside Buckingham Palace and called for King George VI. After almost six years of fighting against Hitler's Nazi regime, peace was declared, with only the conflict against Japan to be concluded. Four days of events commemorating the 80th anniversary of VE Day will culminate tonight with a concert in London's Horse Guards Parade attended by the King and Queen, with performances by The Darkness, Toploader, and classical singer Sir Willard White.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Best VE Day 2025 pictures as Britain marks 80-year anniversary
The four home nations of the United Kingdom are commemorating VE Day, with 2025 marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe. On 8 May 1945, the nation celebrated Victory in Europe (VE) Day with bells ringing out across the country and people taking to the streets in jubilation, with crowds famously gathering outside Buckingham Palace calling for King George VI. Today, King Charles and Queen Camilla were joined by the Prince and Princess of Wales, Sir Keir Starmer, veterans and others at a national service of thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey, with commemorative events also being held elsewhere across the UK. A national two-minute silence was held at midday. In Westminster Abbey, the King and Queen and the Prince and Princess of Wales stood motionless around the grave of the Unknown Warrior in solemn tribute to those who died in the conflict, while the 78 veterans amid the 2,000-strong congregation joined in the moment of reflection. At the end of the two-minute silence, the King laid a wreath at the black marble Grave of the Unknown Warrior, followed by the Prince of Wales. The King's message read simply: 'We will never forget' and was signed Charles R, while William wrote: 'For those who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Second World War. We will remember them.' The white card was signed both 'William' and 'Catherine'. After the wreath laying, a moving letter from Lance Corporal Fredrick Burgess to his seven-year-old son Freddie, written while he was serving in Italy just seven months before he died was read out. An excerpt of wartime prime minister Sir Winston Churchill's 1945 victory speech in which he declared the war in Europe was over was also played in the abbey. Everyday objects evoking memories of the sacrifices made during the Second World War were carried in a poignant procession to the High Altar. Items included a child's gas mask next to the yellowed cardboard box it was kept in, a sailor's Navy ratings cap, a set of campaign medals, an air raid warden's battered helmet and a volume of the Book of Civilian War listing all civilians killed across the UK during the war. Churchill's great-great grandson Alexander Churchill, aged 10, later lit the VE Day 80th candle of peace and read a prayer for 'peace in Europe and across the world', and for the 'sacrifice of those who have gone before us to be honoured in the defence of liberty, justice and peace'. Events were held elsewhere too. In Scotland, the day began with national piper Louise Marshall playing a lament to the fallen at dawn on Portobello Beach in Edinburgh with a service of thanksgiving taking place later at Glasgow Cathedral, with guests including representatives from the military, veterans' organisations, emergency services and religious groups. Northern Ireland has been holding a range of activities including historical talks, parades and services. Belfast's City Hall was lit up in red on Wednesday night to commemorate the fallen, and will be again on Thursday night. In Wales, a VE Day 80 service took place at Cardiff's Llandaff Cathedral on Wednesday evening, bringing together about 250 people, including veterans and politicians. People across the UK also held a two-minute silence in memory of those who died during the conflict. In Yorkshire, crowds and veterans gathered at the Cenotaph in Paragon Square, Hull – where German bombing raids during the Second World War left 150,000 homeless and 1,200 people dead. Meanwhile, staff, passengers and members of the public fell silent at major transport hubs across the country, including Glasgow's Central Station and Birmingham New Street. Commemorations were also held at the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas, Staffordshire, which was attended by veterans including the 110-year-old Donald Rose, who survived a bullet to the leg during the D-Day Landings. RAF veterans Kathleen, 101, and Roy Lawrence, 101, who have been married for 74 years, were also at the memorial event. The Royal British Legion Commemorative Service, hosted by Baroness Floella Benjamin, was due to commence at 4pm on the Naval Review. Prior to the service, the Royal British Legion welcomed eligible veterans and their families to a private VE Day Tea Party.
