Queen Camilla was seen becoming visibly emotional during her husband's speech, appearing to fight back tears as he called for the nation to rededicate itself to peace.
King Charles delivered a poignant speech at Horse Guards Parade this evening to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, echoing the historic address given by his grandfather King George VI.
The monarch spoke at precisely 9pm, the exact time King George VI addressed the nation from Buckingham Palace on May 8, 1945.
In his address, Charles called on the country to "rededicate ourselves" to "the cause of freedom" and "the prevention of conflict".
Queen Camilla fights back tears as King Charles calls for UK to 'rededicate ourselves' to peace.
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His speech deliberately mirrored the moment his grandfather thanked the nation for their contribution as war came to an end in Europe.
The King's words carried particular weight against the backdrop of current global conflicts.
His call for unity and peace resonated throughout the ceremony at Horse Guards Parade in central London.
Recalling the VE Day speeches, Charles said: "We should remind ourselves of the words of our great wartime leader, Sir Winston Churchill, who said 'meeting jaw to jaw is better than war'."
King Charles gave a touching speech at the concert.
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The King continued: "We should also rededicate ourselves not only to the cause of freedom but to renewing global commitments to restoring a just peace where there is war, to diplomacy, and to the prevention of conflict."
He quoted his grandfather's powerful words that victory must "lead to a lasting peace, founded on justice and established in goodwill".
The King emphasised that the Allied victory was "a result of unity between nations, races, religions and ideologies, fighting back against an existential threat to humanity".
"Their collective endeavour remains a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when countries stand together in the face of tyranny," he added.
Queen Camilla and King Charles led the Royal Family at the concert
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Charles acknowledged not only those who served in uniform but also those who remained at home during the war.
"We unite to celebrate and remember with an unwavering and heartfelt gratitude, the service and sacrifice of the wartime generation," he said.
The King's speech included personal touches, recalling his mother Queen Elizabeth II's VE Day experiences.
He shared how the then 19-year-old princess "mingled anonymously in the crowds" and "walked for miles" through central London.
Queen Camilla and King Charles beamed as they watched the performances.
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Charles quoted from her diary: "Conga-ed into House. Sang till 2am. Bed at 3am!"
He added a light-hearted note: "I rather doubt I shall have the energy to sing until 2am, let alone lead you all in a giant conga from here back to Buckingham Palace."
Queen Camilla's emotional response to her husband's speech was evident to all in attendance at Horse Guards Parade.
The Queen appeared to fight back tears as the King delivered his poignant address marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day.
