The British royal family gathered at Buckingham Palace on May 5, 2025, to kick off a four-day celebration marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day. King Charles III, Queen Camilla, Prince William, Catherine, Princess of Wales, and their three children attended the ceremony.
A Parade Down Memory Lane
The day began with a military parade from the Houses of Parliament to Buckingham Palace. Members of the British armed forces marched through the streets of London. At noon, the chimes of Big Ben and the Elizabeth Tower bells echoed through the city. The royals watched the procession from the palace balcony.
The royal family’s attire reflected their military connections. King Charles wore a Number 1 Naval Uniform without medals. Queen Camilla wore a blue wool crepe dress and coat with a brooch. The brooch honored her late father’s regiment.
A Weekend of Remembrance
The celebrations will continue throughout the week. On Tuesday, 30,000 ceramic poppies will be displayed at the Tower of London. Landmarks across the UK will be lit up in red, white, and blue. On May 8, 2025, the UK will mark the exact anniversary with a two-minute silence at noon.
A service will be held at Westminster Abbey, attended by King Charles and Queen Camilla. A large concert will take place at the Horse Guards Parade. 2,500 beacons will be lit across the country.
The events honor those who served and died in World War II. The Nazis surrendered on May 8, 1945, ending the war in Europe.
Source: CNN