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As part of the celebrations, members of the Royal Family will gather at Westminster Abbey for a Service of Thanksgiving, where they will lay flowers at the Innocent Victims’ Memorial.
In the evening, the King and Queen will attend a celebratory concert from Horse Guards Parade.
Prime minister Keir Starmer has stressed that the conflict in Ukraine shows the Second World War is not “just history”.
Speaking to the We Have Ways Of Making You Talk podcast in 10 Downing Street, he said the day was “a hugely important part of our history, of which we should be extremely proud as a country”.
Adding that he felt a “personal responsibility” for maintaining the peace that Europe has largely enjoyed since 1945, he said he was determined to ensure the Nato alliance – “the cornerstone of that peace” – continued “for decades to come”.
Pictures of VE Day celebrations so far this week
Thursday marks the 80th anniversary of Europe’s liberation from the Nazis.
But celebrations have been ongoing all week, from a flypast on the Mall on Monday to tea parties across Britain.
Ukraine shows lessons of VE Day not ‘just history’, says Starmer
The conflict in Ukraine shows the Second World War is not “just history”, the Prime Minister has said as Britain celebrates the 80th anniversary of VE Day.
Speaking to the We Have Ways Of Making You Talk podcast in 10 Downing Street, Sir Keir Starmer said the day was “a hugely important part of our history, of which we should be extremely proud as a country”.
He said: “I’ve got children who live in peace and in a democracy as a result of other people, which is incredible.
“And then, you know, the reminder with the Ukrainian contingent in the procession, that the idea that this was all just history and it doesn’t matter now somehow is completely wrong.
“Those values of freedom and democracy matter today.”
Athena Stavrou8 May 2025 08:30
‘Very important’ for young to thank veterans – Churchill’s great-great-grandson
Sir Winston Churchill’s great-great-grandson has said it is “very important” for his generation to thank Second World War veterans and to “never forget” those who fought for freedom in Europe.
Alexander Churchill, 10, will take part in a thanksgiving service marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day at Westminster Abbey on Thursday.
Speaking before the event, Alexander said: “My great-great-grandfather’s very important to us and we’re just very proud to know that he is part of our family and also I think it’s very important for our generation, my generation, to say thank you to all the veterans and everyone who took part in the war because I think that’s very important.”
Athena Stavrou8 May 2025 08:28
Westminster Abbey service to mark 80th anniversary of VE Day
The King and Queen will be joined by the Prince and Princess of Wales, Sir Keir Starmer, veterans and others at Westminster Abbey to recognise the 80th anniversary of VE Day.
During the service 10-year-old Alexander Churchill, the great-great-grandson of wartime prime minister Sir Winston Churchill, will light a candle of peace as young members of the congregation hand out white roses to Second World War veterans.
After a national two-minute silence is observed, Charles and William will lay wreaths of seasonal flowers, which would have been in bloom in May 1945, at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior.
At the end of the service, the tune of We’ll Meet Again made famous by forces sweetheart the late Dame Vera Lynn will be heard.
Outside the abbey Kate will join Camilla and other royals in laying flowers at the Innocent Victims’ Memorial in tribute to all victims of war and oppression as the proceedings draw to a close.
Athena Stavrou8 May 2025 08:27
Britain to mark 80 years since VE day with celebrations
As part of the celebrations, members of the Royal Family will gather at Westminster Abbey for a Service of Thanksgiving, where they will lay flowers at the Innocent Victims’ Memorial.
In the evening, the King and Queen will attend a celebratory concert from Horse Guards Parade.
Athena Stavrou8 May 2025 08:21
English (US) ·