SUPPORT OUR JOURNALISM: Please consider donating to keep our website running and free for all - thank you!

DONATE NOW
Royal News

King Charles to lead nation in commemorations for 80th anniversary of VJ Day

By
14th August 2025
King Charles

The King will lead commemorations for the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two.

His Majesty will speak to the nation on the morning of the VJ Day anniversary, August 15th, before attending a Service of Remembrance.

King Charles and Queen Camilla will stand alongside the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, and politicians at the ceremony which takes place at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.

A two minute silence will be observed across the UK at midday as part of the commemorations.

The King and Queen will take part in the service which will be attended by veterans of World War Two, Burma Star recipients and representatives from across the Commonwealth.

The Army, Navy and Royal Air Force will form a Guard of Honour at the service which will also include musical tributes from military bands.

The Japanese Ambassador to the UK will also take part in the ceremony.

Afterwards, The King and Queen will meet veterans at a reception.

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh will attend a memorial service in Scotland.

The day will begin with bagpipers playing the lament ”Battle’s O’er” at The Cenotaph as dawn breaks on the 80th anniversary of VJ Day. A lone piper will also play the lament at Edinburgh Castle as commemorations begin.

VJ Day will end with a tribute in lights as buildings around the UK, including Buckingham Palace, will be illuminated at 9pm to remember those lost in war. The Tower of London and Cardiff Castle will also be lit up as a tribute.

Later this year, a reception will be held at Windsor Castle for veterans of World War Two.

Share:
About author

Lydia Starbuck is Editor in Chief at Royal Central and the main producer and presenter of the Royal Central Podcast and Royal Central Extra.Lydia is also a pen name of June Woolerton who is a journalist and writer with over twenty years experience in TV, radio, print and online. Her latest book, A History of British Royal Jubilees, is out now. Her new book, The Mysterious Death of Katherine Parr, will be published in March 2024.June is an award winning reporter, producer and editor. She's appeared on outlets including BBC 5 Live, BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Local Radio and has also helped set up a commercial radio station.June is also an accomplished writer with a wide range of material published online and in print. She is the author of two novels, published as e-books. She is also a marriage registrar and ceremony celebrant.