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UK Marks 80th VE Day Anniversary with Nationwide Tributes and Celebrations

A Westminster Abbey service, national silence, and evening concert honor the sacrifices of World War II veterans and their generation.

Overview

  • A national thanksgiving service at Westminster Abbey, attended by King Charles III, Queen Camilla, Prince William, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, and veterans, highlighted the commemorations.
  • A two-minute silence was observed at noon across the UK, followed by wreath-laying at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior by the King, Prince William, and 99-year-old veteran Ken Hay.
  • Ten-year-old Alexander Churchill, great-great-grandson of Winston Churchill, lit a candle of peace during the service, while young attendees distributed white roses to veterans.
  • Local communities across the UK hosted street parties, parades, and beacon lightings, with extended pub hours allowing for further celebrations.
  • The four-day commemorative events will conclude tonight with a concert at Horse Guards Parade featuring performances by The Darkness, Toploader, and Sir Willard White.