The Duchess of Edinburgh meets 105 year old veteran as they remember those lost in World War Two

Ahead of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two, the Duchess of Edinburgh has made a moving visit to a 105 year old veteran.

Sophie spent time with Jim Wren, a Royal Marine veteran, with just days to go until the actual anniversary of VJ Day.

The Duchess of Edinburgh visited James ‘Jim’ Wren, a British veteran who served during the Second World War. Mr Wren survived the sinking of HMS Repulsen after it was attacked by bombers in late 1941, only a few months later, he was captured during an escape from Singapore in February 1942 and was held as a Prisoner of War for over three years. 

Mr Wren welcomed Sophie to his home, at a retirement complex, and told her about his experiences during World War Two.

He was on board HMS Repulse when it was struck. The HMS Prince of Wales was also hit. Both ships were sunk in the attack which took place on December 10 1941, three days after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour.

Mr Wren has since campaigned for the anchor of the Prince of Wales to be brought back to the UK where there are plans for it to form part of the memorial to those who died at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.

The Duchess is patron of The Java Far East Prisoner of War Club 1942, an organisation that provides support and community for surviving FEPOWS, and their wives and widows. 

Sophie’s meeting, which saw her take tea and cake with Mr Wren, comes as the Royal Family begins a series of commemorations for the end of World War Two which will put veterans at their heart.

The King and Queen will attend a National Service of Remembrance on VJ Day, August 15th, and meet veterans afterwards. .

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh will be attending a Royal British Legion Scotland service at the Scottish National War Museum.