Sir Winston Churchill's 10-year-old great-great-grandson played a key role in Thursday's thanksgiving service marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day at Westminster Abbey.
Alexander Churchill lit a Candle of Peace during the ceremony, which the King, the Queen and the Prince and Princess of Wales attended.
The young Churchill described feeling "very honoured" to have been chosen to participate in the historic commemoration.
The service honoured those who made sacrifices during the Second World War.
Alexander Churchill lights the Candle of PeacePASpeaking 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."
He added: "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.
"I think people can learn that they should never forget all of the people who have sacrificed and helped us restore freedom to England and Europe.
"I think it's very important that they should carry on fighting for freedom."
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Alexander Churchill made a speech at Westminster Abbey
PA
Young members of the congregation handed out white roses to veterans during the service.
The King laid a wreath on behalf of the nation and Commonwealth, while Prince William laid a wreath for the veterans and the wartime generation.
Some 78 veterans attended the service, with 1,800 people in total at the Abbey.
Alexander was one of a number of people who made a speech during the service.
Alexander Churchill lit the Candle of Peace
PA
In his speech, he said: "Let us pray for peace in Europe and across the world, in our time and for generations to come.
"The sacrifice that has gone before us should be honoured in liberty, justice and peace. Lord in your mercy, amen."
Some 80 years ago on May 8, Alexander's great-great-grandfather Winston Churchill announced at 3pm: "Yesterday at 2.41am, the representative of the German High Command signed the act of unconditional surrender of all German land, sea and air forces in Europe.
"The German war is therefore at an end. Long live the cause of freedom! God save the King!"
