GB News presenter Ben Leo has revealed he was moved to tears during Monday's VE Day 80th anniversary celebrations.
Ben shared his emotional reaction while reflecting on the day's events, which included a spectacular RAF flypast.
"What a day. Seeing the flypast to end it all. I had a tear in my eye," Leo told viewers on GB News.
The presenter's candid admission came as the nation began four days of commemorations marking 80 years since the end of World War II in Europe.
Ben Leo said one moment caused him to wipe away a tear
GB NEWS / REUTERS / PA
He expressed deep patriotic sentiment when discussing Britain's wartime legacy.
"It was something to be proud of. We never surrendered and five years later, with the help of the allies, we defeated the Nazis," he said.
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The presenter emphasised the importance of celebrating national achievements.
"It's something incredibly beautiful and something to be proud of. There's always something to moan about with this country but I am always proud to be British," Leo added.
He suggested the day offered a chance to reflect on Britain's strengths.
The celebrations saw King Charles and Queen Camilla lead the nation from Buckingham Palace.
Ben Leo spoke about today's celebrations on GB News
GB NEWS
The royal couple, alongside other members of the Royal Family, appeared on the palace balcony to watch the military procession and flypast.
According to Palace sources, the royals aimed to honour "the wartime generation whose selfless devotion, duty and service should stand as an enduring example to us all".
This year's commemorations are particularly significant as they are the first to take place without any royals who were present 80 years ago.
Ben described the patriotic atmosphere among spectators at the event.
Workers place the first of 30,000 ceramic poppies for the new installation at the Tower of London to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day PA"It's easy to talk about things when they're not going well but today was a moment to recognise why we are such a great nation," he said.
The presenter was particularly struck by the crowds displaying national pride.
"There were so many people with Union Jacks - we got a glimpse of the King as well," Leo remarked.
He concluded with praise for Britain's ceremonial traditions.
"No one does it better than us. The pomp and pageantry."
The celebrations form part of a four-day national programme of events that began on Monday.
VE Day officially falls on Thursday, May 8, marking the day in 1945 when Nazi Germany surrendered.
The commemorations include street parties, veterans' parades and royal engagements across the country.
Later this week, the Queen will view a ceramic poppy display at the Tower of London.
A special anniversary concert will take place in Westminster Hall on May 7.
The main VE Day service will be held at Westminster Abbey on May 8, with 1,800 attendees expected.
