A veteran has gone ”off script” as he offered a salute to King Charles as people gathered to mark the end of World War Two.
Yavar Abbas, 105, had taken to the stage at the National Memorial Arboretum during a service held on the 80th anniversary of VJ Day and was set to read out excerpts from his wartime diary.
(Rosie Hallam/ UK MOD © Crown copyright 2025)
He stopped briefly, however, to say he wanted to salute his ”brave king” and thanked King Charles for coming to the service despite his ongoing treatment for cancer.
His Majesty looked moved to be singled out in such a way.
Yavar Abbas, who served as a captain in the 11th Sikh Regiment of the 14th Army, stood tall and saluted King Charles.
Captain Abbas said ‘‘I make no apology for going briefly off the script to salute my brave King, who is here with his beloved Queen despite the fact that he is under treatment for cancer.”
His next words moved King Charles even more as Captain Abbas linked him with his beloved grandfather, King George VI. He said ”I salute him for gracing this occasion because by his presence here, he has gone a long way to make sure that his grandad’s army is never given the sobriquet again of a Forgotten Army.”
The King appeared to be struggling to hold back tears as this most moving tribute was made.
It came at a National Service of Remembrance which had begun with His Majesty inspecting a Guard of Honour made up of members of the Army, Navy and RAF.
His Majesty laid a wreath and saluted before Queen Camilla, herself close to tear, laid a beautiful bouquet of brightly coloured flowers and bowed her head.
The service included military tributes as well as readings from veterans and it concluded with a flypast.
Later, The King and Queen met veterans with Her Majesty insisting no one get up to greet her but finding the old soldiers determined to stand to say hello.
King Charles had earlier paid tribute to the sacrifice of millions in an address recorded to mark the 80th anniversary of VJ Day.
