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Royal News

Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London to be lit up in commemoration on anniversary of VJ Day

By
14th August 2025

Buckingham Palace will be among the buildings lit up to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two.

On the evening of August 15th 2025, the VJ Day anniversary, landmarks and buildings around the UK will be illuminated to commemorate the anniversary and remember those who lost their lives.

The King’s official London residence is among the buildings which will shine light into the gathering gloom in a symbolic gesture.

Another famous royal linked residence, the Tower of London, will also be lit up.

The Elizabeth Tower, named in honour of Queen Elizabeth II, also joins the tributes alongside the Palace of Westminster.

Cardiff Castle is also among the building to be illuminated.

The tribute will come at the end of a day of commemorations that starts with military bagpipers performing ”Battle’s O’er” at the Cenotaph at dawn. The same lament will be played in the Far East section of the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, and at Edinburgh Castle.

King Charles and Queen Camilla are set to attend a National Service of Remembrance at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.

Their Majesties will join the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, and the Japanese Ambassador to the UK at the service which is held eighty years to the day since World War Two ended with the surrender of Japan to the Allied Forces.

The service will be attended by recipients of the Burma Star as well as a veteran of the British Indian Army and veterans of the battles of Kohima and Imphal.

There will be a national two minute silence at midday. There will also be a Guard of Honour from Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force members as well as musical tributes from military bands. The Battle of Britain Memorial flight will lead a flypast with Dakota, Spitfire and Hurricane aircraft taking part.

After the service, Their Majesties will meet veterans at a reception.

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

Further commemorations are planned for the autumn including a reception at Windsor Castle for VJ veterans and Commonwealth military.

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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.