As the nation prepares to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, King Charles and Queen Camilla are set to lead the commemorations with a heartfelt gesture — hosting a tea party at Buckingham Palace for veterans of the Second World War.
This special event will take place on 5 May, as part of a four-day tribute to the historic victory that brought the war in Europe to an end.
Buckingham Palace at the Heart of Commemoration
The royal couple will take centre stage during the national commemorations, joining other senior members of the Royal Family on the balcony of Buckingham Palace to witness a dramatic flypast.
The aerial display will feature the iconic Red Arrows and historic World War Two aircraft, offering a visual salute to those who served.
Later, the King and Queen will host an intimate tea party in the Palace gardens, where around 50 veterans, along with their families and wartime peers, will gather. The occasion will be marked by symbolic touches, including bunting made from recycled fabrics.
Kicking off the commemorations will be a military procession involving 1,300 members of the armed forces. The march will begin in Parliament Square and continue along the Mall — a powerful spectacle in honour of the anniversary.
At midday, as Big Ben strikes 12:00 BST, a recitation of Winston Churchill’s iconic VE Day speech will ring out across the square, transporting onlookers back to the historic day in 1945.
The procession will be observed by the King and Queen, joined by the Prince of Wales and Princess of Wales and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
A symbolic “Torch for Peace”, organised by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, will be passed from a young person to 100-year-old veteran Alan Kennett during the procession. A poignant gesture, marking the generational handover of remembrance.
Reflecting on his memories of VE Day, Mr Kennett shared: “I remember Battle of Britain pilot Johnnie Johnson bursting in and shouting ‘the war is over’.” “A big party soon followed, filled with lots of drinking and celebrating the news.”
“The 80th anniversary of VE Day brings back so many memories, and it will be such a privilege to be there with everyone.”
National Events: Four Days of Remembrance
A packed programme of events will span four days across the UK:
- 5 May:
- Military procession from Whitehall to Buckingham Palace
- Flypast over the Mall
- Tea party for veterans hosted by the King and Queen
- Community street parties nationwide
- 6 May:
- Ceramic poppy installation at the Tower of London
- Illuminations of historic UK landmarks
- 7 May:
- A commemorative concert in Westminster Hall
- 8 May (VE Day itself):
- Service of Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey
- Evening concert with music, readings, and tributes at Horse Guards Parade, featuring Samantha Barks, Toploader, and a nostalgic nod to Dad’s Army
In connection with these national celebrations, there’s also growing public interest in whether the UK will introduce an extra bank holiday for VE Day 2025. For details, you can read our full coverage here.
The upcoming VE Day 80 is expected to be one of the final large-scale commemorations involving a significant number of living veterans from the Second World War.
Mark Atkinson, Director General of the Royal British Legion, remarked: “It’s important we remember those who went to war, who fought for the freedom of not just Europe but everywhere, and those who risked their lives and never made it back.”
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy echoed the sentiment: “This is one of the last chances we have to say thank you to this generation of heroes and it is right that we do just that.”
As Britain prepares to honour the sacrifices made during one of history’s darkest chapters, the presence of the King and Queen adds a personal, heartfelt layer to the 80th anniversary of VE Day.
With tributes ranging from solemn services to celebratory concerts, the nation will pause — not just to remember, but to say thank you.
