The King issued a stark warning that Britain “shall have failed” if the sacrifices of the wartime generation do not lead to a “lasting peace” – as the nation marked the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day.
In a powerful address calling for a global commitment to restporing peace, His Majesty paid tribute to those who fought and died to free Europe from Nazi tyranny, calling on today’s generation to protect their “precious legacy” and ensure their struggle was not in vain.
“We shall have failed, and the blood of our dearest will have flowed in vain, if the victory which they died to win does not lead to a lasting peace, founded on justice and established in good will,” he declared.
Speaking to the crowd at the VE Day concert held in Horse Guard’s Parade, the King echoed his grandfather, King George VI’s historic words in 1945 that “the dreadful shadow of war has passed from our hearths and our homes”.
“His words echo down through history as all this week, and especially today, we unite to celebrate and remember with an unwavering and heartfelt gratitude, the service and sacrifice of the wartime generation who made that hard-fought victory possible,” the King said.
He praised the “firm resolve and fortitude” of those who fought across Europe, remembering the heroes of Monte Cassino, Arnhem and D-Day, and reflected on his own moving encounters with veterans and Holocaust survivors.
“Victory in Europe truly was the triumph of good over evil,” he said.
The King was speaking as the world is gripped by conflict, including the war in Gaza, and in Europe following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine over three years ago . Concerns are shared globally at the escalating tension between India and Pakistan.
The King in his speech shared a poignant glimpse into his late mother’s VE Day memories, quoting her teenage diary as she joined ecstatic crowds in London.
“Out in the crowd again. Embankment, Piccadilly. Rained, so fewer people. Conga-ed into House. Sang till 2 a.m. Bed at 3 a.m.!”
Smiling, he joked: “I do hope your celebrations tonight are almost as joyful, although I rather doubt I shall have the energy to sing until 2 a.m., let alone lead you all in a giant conga from here back to Buckingham Palace!”
There were smiles from the Prince and Princess of Wales who stood watching from the royal box, joined by Queen Camilla, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.
Stars such as Fleur East, Strictly dancers Amy Dowden, Carlos Gu and Kai Widdrington, The Darkness and actor Brian Cox were among the performers at the VE Day: A Celebration To Remember event, televised live on the BBC.
Pubs were given permission to stay open for two extra hours, until 1am on Friday, in recognition of the anniversary.
The celebrations followed poignant commemorations earlier in the day, with a national two-minute silence in honour of the war dead and thanksgiving services held across the country.
His Majesty also reminded the nation that for many, peace did not come until VJ Day months later – a struggle his father witnessed firsthand aboard HMS Whelp.
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Quoting our wartime leader Sir Winston Churchill, he urged the world to “meet jaw to jaw” rather than resort to war, and called for renewed efforts to prevent conflict and restore peace wherever it is needed.
The King closed with a determined call to action: “Just as those exceptional men and women fulfilled their duty… in turn it falls to us to protect and continue their precious legacy – so that one day hence generations yet unborn may say of us: ‘they too bequeathed a better world’.”
The Prince and Princess of Wales arrived in the royal box for the VE Day concert on Horse Guards Parade to cheers from the crowd.
Kate, with her hair half up half down and pinned with black velvet bow, was dressed in a white boucle jacket and wearing a five-strand pearl necklace.
William was seated next to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
Crowds gathered outside Buckingham Palace and across the country tonight, lighting beacons and raising their voices in tribute to the heroes of 1945 – as the King vowed: “That debt can never truly be repaid; but we can, and we will, remember them.”
