Thousands Commemorate 80th Anniversary of VE Day in London

The United Kingdom marked the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day with four days of commemorative events, beginning with a grand military parade in London featuring over 1,300 members of the British armed forces, joined by troops from NATO countries and Ukraine. King Charles III, Queen Camilla, Prince William, Princess Kate, and other senior royals joined veterans and crowds, saluting the procession and watching a flypast by the Red Arrows from the Buckingham Palace balcony. The celebrations included a reading of Winston Churchill’s historic victory speech and underscored themes of sacrifice, resilience, and unity, both in remembering World War II and in expressing solidarity with Ukraine amid ongoing conflict. The participation of Ukrainian troops highlighted international support and a continued commitment to peace and freedom. Many saw the events as a poignant opportunity to honor the rapidly dwindling generation of World War II veterans. The presence of the Royal Family and diverse military representatives emphasized the enduring importance of commemorating historical milestones and those who served.