King Charles and Queen Camilla attend VJ Day anniversary service alongside Sir Keir Starmer

King Charles and Keir Starmer

King Charles and Keir Starmer attended the VJ Day anniversary service on Friday.

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GETTY

Svar Nanan-Sen

By Svar Nanan-Sen


Published: 15/08/2025

- 12:51

The service featured moving first-hand testimony from VJ veterans

King Charles and Queen Camilla marked the 80th anniversary of VJ Day at the National Memorial Arboretum this afternoon.

The royal couple were joined by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer alongside members of VJ associations, military personnel and senior politicians for the national service of remembrance.


The King laid a wreath in honour of those who died and led the nation in a two-minute silence at midday.

The service was hosted by actress Celie Imrie and included flypasts from the Red Arrows and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

\u200bKing Charles and Queen Camilla

King Charles and Queen Camilla marked the 80th anniversary of VJ Day at the National Memorial Arboretum this afternoon.

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Getty

Among the 1,500 guests were 33 veterans – aged from 96 to 105 – who served in the Far East and Pacific.

The service also featured moving first-hand testimony from VJ veterans.

Earlier today, Princess Kate and Prince William issued a joint message to mark the 80th anniversary of VJ Day.

The royal couple highlighted the “enduring debt” owed to the generation that fought in World War II.

Queen Camilla

Among the 1,500 guests were 33 veterans – aged from 96 to 105 – who served in the Far East and Pacific.

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GETTY

The Prince and Princess of Wales wrote: “Today, on the 80th anniversary of VJ Day, we remember the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of all who served.

“Today we especially think of those British and Commonwealth troops who fought in the Asia-Pacific.

“We owe an enduring debt to the generation who gave so much, and to whom we will always be grateful.

“Lest we forget. W & C”.

The Prince and Princess of Wales were absent from the service at National Memorial Arboretum on Friday.

\u200bPrincess Kate and Prince William

Princess Kate and Prince William issued a joint message to mark the 80th anniversary of VJ Day.

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GETTY

Prince Edward, the Duchess of Edinburgh, the Duke of Gloucester and the Duchess of Gloucester will all make public appearances today.

Prince Edward and Sophie will attend a service at the Scottish National War Memorial, Edinburgh Castle, organised by the Royal British Legion Scotland.

The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester will attend the Far East Prisoners of War VJ Day 80th Anniversary Service at Norwich Cathedral.

The couple will then join a second commemorative service dedicated to the Children and Families of the Far East Prisoners of War in Suffolk.

Events to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of VJ Day will conclude with a Reception for veterans at Windsor Castle later in the Autumn.

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