Royal Family to Lead Nation in 80th VE Day Commemorations

The Royal Family will play a central role in the upcoming 80th anniversary celebrations marking Victory in Europe (VE) Day, with events scheduled from May 5-8, 2025. Full details have been released by Buckingham Palace and we have the details below. It's going to be an exciting week to follow!

Monday, May 5th - Military Procession and Tea Party

King Charles and Queen Camilla, alongside The Prince and Princess of Wales, The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, The Princess Royal and Sir Tim Laurence, and The Duke of Kent will join the Prime Minister at the Queen Victoria Memorial outside Buckingham Palace. Starting at approximately 12:10pm, they will observe military units processing down The Mall from Whitehall to honor those who served during the Second World War.

After the parade concludes around 12:50pm, the Royal Family will return to Buckingham Palace before appearing on the balcony for a special flypast. Veterans from the Royal British Legion will have prime viewing positions in the palace gardens alongside the Prime Minister and other dignitaries.

Later that afternoon, Their Majesties will host a Tea Party at Buckingham Palace for approximately 50 veterans and members of the Second World War generation who are now supported by the Royal British Legion. Attendees will include British and Commonwealth Armed Forces veterans, WRENs, Special Operations Executives, and those who contributed to the war effort on the home front, accompanied by their families and carers.

The Marble Corridor will be specially decorated with bunting crafted from fabrics recycled from the Royal estates. The Prince and Princess of Wales, The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, The Princess Royal and Sir Tim Laurence, and The Duke of Kent will join Their Majesties in meeting the veterans during this reception from approximately 2:00pm to 3:00pm.

Tuesday, May 6th - Tower of London Ceramic Poppies

The Queen will visit the Tower of London at 3:00pm to view a new display of nearly 30,000 ceramic poppies from the 2014 "Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red" commemorative art installation. The poppies are being arranged in a new design inside the inner walls of the Tower, resembling a 'wound' to reflect the long-lasting sacrifices made during the Second World War.

During her visit, Her Majesty will meet representatives from the Tower of London, the team behind the installation, schoolchildren, and veterans. The Poet Laureate, Simon Armitage, will perform a new poem written specifically to mark the anniversary. Before departing at approximately 3:30pm, The Queen will be joined by a local schoolchild to plant the final poppy, completing the installation.

Thursday, May 8th - Westminster Abbey Service and Concert

On VE Day itself, a Service of Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey will begin at noon, with members of the Royal Family arriving from around 11:50am. The King and Queen, The Prince and Princess of Wales, The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, The Princess Royal and Sir Tim Laurence, The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, and The Duke of Kent will all be in attendance.

Upon arrival, the Royal Family will join the congregation in a national two-minute silence of reflection and remembrance. His Majesty will lay a wreath at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior, followed by The Prince of Wales. The Prime Minister will give a reading during the service, which will commemorate the sacrifice of the Second World War generation.

After the service, The King and Queen will meet veterans in the congregation. Before departing at approximately 1:15pm, Her Majesty will lead other members of the Royal Family in laying flowers at the Innocent Victims' Memorial outside the Abbey's West Door.

The celebrations will conclude with a live concert at Horse Guards Parade beginning at 8:00pm, presented by Zoe Ball. Their Majesties will arrive at approximately 8:15pm to join thousands of members of the public in the audience. The concert will feature performances of music from the era, echoing the historic celebrations from 80 years ago, alongside the stories of veterans from the Second World War. The event will be broadcast live on BBC One from 8:00pm to 10:00pm.

International Commemorations

In addition to the national UK events, Royal Family members will represent the King at Liberation anniversary events abroad:

• The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester will attend Denmark's Liberation commemoration on Sunday, May 4th
• Princess Anne and Sir Tim Laurence will visit the Channel Islands from May 9-10th to mark the 80th anniversary of the Liberation of Guernsey and Sark

The comprehensive program reflects the significance of the 80th anniversary, honoring both veterans and the wider Second World War generation who contributed to the Allied victory in Europe.