King Leads Nation in Tribute to the Greatest Generation on VE Day 80
By the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and re-edited by The Armoury.io
Published: 3 May 2025
His Majesty The King will join Second World War veterans and the nation in a historic tribute tomorrow as Britain marks the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day (VE Day), honouring the generation that secured peace and freedom.
A Four-Day National Commemoration
The commemorations will open in London with a powerful military procession and flypast, alongside readings from Winston Churchill’s iconic 1945 victory speech delivered by Hollywood actor Timothy Spall. Normandy veteran Alan Kennett, aged 100, will formally open the event, receiving the Commonwealth War Graves’ Torch For Peace from Air Cadet Warrant Officer Emmy Jones.
More than 1,300 members of the Armed Forces and youth groups will march from Whitehall, through Admiralty Arch and up The Mall to Buckingham Palace, where Their Majesties The King and Queen, alongside members of the Royal Family, the Prime Minister, and Second World War veterans will watch from a specially constructed platform at the Queen Victoria Memorial.
The day will conclude with a grand flypast over Buckingham Palace, observed by the Royal Family from the balcony.
Illuminating the Nation
On Tuesday evening, the country will glow in remembrance as landmarks including Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, the Tower of London, the Shard, Cardiff Castle, and Belfast City Hall are illuminated to mark VE Day 80.
Thursday will feature a national two-minute silence at 12 noon, beginning a solemn service at Westminster Abbey. The silence is expected to be observed across the country, uniting the nation in reflection.
National Leaders Call for Remembrance
Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the anniversary “a moment of national unity,” urging the nation to remember “the sacrifices made by so many to secure our freedom.” He emphasized that the legacy of the wartime generation lives on in Britain’s enduring commitment to the values they fought for.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy echoed the call to remember: “We must not forget the hardships, the heroics, and the millions who lost their lives. This week, I urge the nation to come together and send a powerful message: we will remember them.”
Highlights of the Week
The commemorations stretch across the United Kingdom, with notable events including:
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Monday, 5 May:
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A street party on HMS Belfast, which played a key role on D-Day and in Arctic convoys.
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Community street parties and gatherings, inspired by The Together Coalition and The Big Lunch.
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Tuesday, 6 May:
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A return of the famous ceramic poppies installation at the Tower of London.
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The Scotland Salutes VE80 concert at Edinburgh’s Usher Hall.
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Wednesday, 7 May:
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A Victory in Europe Day Anniversary Concert at Westminster Hall featuring the Parliament Choir.
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A special VE Day event at IWM North with letters and performances reflecting the wartime experience.
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A National Service of Remembrance at Llandaff Cathedral.
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Thursday, 8 May:
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A service of remembrance and celebration at Westminster Abbey.
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A grand concert at Horseguards Parade featuring stars like John Newman, Dame Joan Collins, Mary Berry, Sheila Hancock, and military musicians, closing the commemorations with music and reflection.
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Across Northern Ireland, remembrance services and local celebrations will also take place, with the Government’s Tip Top Towns initiative encouraging communities to host street parties, plant flowers, create decorations, and involve children in commemorative crafts.
A Nation Remembers
As the UK comes together for VE Day 80, the week promises to honour the courage, sacrifice, and enduring spirit of the Second World War generation — ensuring their stories live on for generations to come.
