Thousands of people have lined the streets of central London on Bank Holiday Monday to hear a performance of Churchill’s speech and take in a military procession and a flypast to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day.
Armed forces from Nato allies joined a procession in London to mark the end of the Second World War in Europe, as Sir Keir Starmer said this week’s events are a reminder that victory was “not just for Britain”.
The words of Sir Winston Churchill’s 1945 victory speech, spoken by actor Timothy Spall, began the commemorations, which featured a display by the Red Arrows during a flypast by 23 current and historic military aircraft , appearances by senior royals and street parties across the UK.
The royal family, who watched the flypast from the balcony of Buckingham Palace, are hoping the fallout from Harry’s bombshell security interview will not ‘distract’ from the VE Day celebrations.
Downing Street and No10 are also hosting tea parties as the events start the build-up to Thursday, May 8, which marks exactly 80 years since the Allies formally accepted Germany’s surrender.
Scroll down for the latest updates.
Key Points
- Key timings for VE Day procession
Veteran Norman Brown shows Queen magic trick
17:11 , Bill Bowkett
VE Day: 80 years apart
16:47 , Bill Bowkett📸 VE Day 1945 ➡ #VEDay80 2025 pic.twitter.com/q13VHjJ28Y
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) May 5, 2025
PM hosts Downing Street VE Day party
16:30 , Bill Bowkett
After attending the military procession and flypast earlier today, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer made his way back to Downing Street to play host to guests, including military veterans.
Like other streets across the UK, Downing Street has become the venue for a VE Day tea party.
Two long tables have been lined with gold and red chairs for the special occasion.
Bunting is also hanging over the tables and draped over the ground floor windows of No 10.
The party’s menu includes Victoria sponge, scotch eggs and pork pies.
Musicians from the Band of the Grenadier Guards played songs to the guests as they received drinks on arrival.
Among the guests were Second World War veterans Ruth Brook Klauber and Colin Deverell, both aged 101.
Veterans share memories of the war with the King
16:04 , Jacob PhillipsPrince George joined his parents — along with King Charles and Queen Camilla — for a tea party at Buckingham Palace for veterans and the members of the wartime generation.
Robert Piper, 99, from Southwater in West Sussex, said the King was “very understanding” when he spoke about his service while at the Palace.
He said: “He is a very interesting person and he seems very understanding.
“We spoke for a while about my service and the memories I have of the war.”
Mr Piper said that he has “lots of memories” of the war, which come back to him at night.
He added: “The men I served with gave it their all for this country, it’s right they’re still remembered and I hope the young generations keep remembering them.
“Today has been superb but very overwhelming.”
King tucked in veteran to keep her warm during VE Day parade
15:57 , Jacob Phillips
A veteran who was cold during the VE Day military procession said the King “tucked” her in.
Joy Trew, who signed up to join the war effort aged 17 and served in the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force, said Charles had leaned down and tucked her blanket into her wheelchair during the parade to prevent her from getting chilly.
“He bent down and tucked me in,” she said.
Of the procession, Ms Trew, who grew up in Bristol but now lives in Wells in Somerset, said: “I said to him (the King) a lot of the women look formidable and he said ‘yes’”.
The 98-year-old said she discussed parenting with Charles and told him she had tried to be a strict mother to her children.
King’s uniform reflects what his grandfather George VI wore on VE Day 1945
15:41 , Jacob Phillips
The uniform worn by the King as he marked the end of the Second World War in Europe reflected what his grandfather George VI wore when he stepped on to the Buckingham Palace balcony on VE Day 80 years ago.
Charles wore the naval No.1 dress uniform to see Monday’s military procession and flypast in central London to kick off four days of celebration.
The Queen paid tribute to her family’s military legacy with a 12th Royal Lancers brooch – her late father’s regiment – pinned to her sapphire blue wool crepe dress and coat.
Her father, Major Bruce Shand, served with the 12th Lancers during the Second World War and was awarded the Military Cross in 1940 during the retreat to Dunkirk, and again in 1942 for his efforts in North Africa, and was later wounded and taken prisoner while fighting in the same region.
He died in June 2006 aged 89.
Tower Hamlets street party unites war survivors and refugees to honour VE Day
15:32 , Jacob PhillipsFrom Tower Hamlets to Moss Side to Clapham - communities across the UK marked #VE80 today!
— Together (@togethercoalit) May 5, 2025
In the old docklands of East London, one of the most Blitz-bombed areas, neighbours danced, shared biryani & honoured shared histories.#GreatBritishFoodFestival #VEDay80 pic.twitter.com/C1SorvsOvn
War survivors, refugees and local families have joined together for a VE Day street party in one of Britain’s most bombed neighbourhoods.
The event in the historic Docklands area of east London — one of the locations most heavily hit during the Blitz — was organised by the Bengali Association, local refugee support and other community groups.
The celebration featured 1940s music and dancing, Morse code demonstrations and food ranging from BBQ favourites to VE Day biryani.
Inside nearby St Peter’s Church, visitors explored an exhibition of family connections to the war, including a poster created by local refugee Abdul Shakoor about the British Indian Army.
Veteran delighted Prince George was interested in his past
14:55 , Jacob PhillipsThe Prince of Wales told 101-year-old Alfred Littlefield that his son Prince George is “interested” in learning about veterans, his granddaughter said.
Samantha Davidson said: “The Prince said George is very interested in finding out about the veterans.
“George even asked my grandfather how old he was during his service.”
She said that Mr Littlefield was very happy that George has taken an interest in the past.
Mr Littlefield added: “I’m very proud.”
Pictures capture Red Arrows flying across London
14:50 , Jacob Phillips
'Very important' for Prince George and next generation to hear from those who fought in the Second World War
14:40 , Jacob PhillipsThe Prince of Wales spoke of the importance of preserving veterans’ stories as he was joined by his son and former service personnel at a tea party in Buckingham Palace.
William smiled as he shook hands with veterans and said it was “very important” for Prince George and the “next generation” to hear the stories from those who fought in the war.
George listened intently as his father chatted to Alfred Littlefield, 101, who served during D-Day.
William later told veteran Douglas Hyde, who joined the merchant navy aged 18 in 1944, that his son was “very keen” to ask the former serviceman some questions.
The pair joined the party as veterans and senior politicians enjoyed a selection of finger sandwiches, soup and homemade scotch eggs in the Marble Hall.
Smiles as Prince Louis takes care of his father's jacket
14:33 , Jacob PhillipsPrince Louis ensured all eyes were on him with his antics at Buckingham Palace on Bank Holiday Monday.
The royal, who turned seven last month, sat next to Prince William, 43, ahead of the military parade and flypast celebration to mark the 80th anniversary of the Victory in Europe Day.
In one cheeky moment, he was seen turning to his father, who looked smart in a military uniform, and sternly brushing down the shoulder of the future King’s jacket.
Louis sat next to his older siblings Charlotte, 10, and George, 11, on the front row of a specially built dias on the Queen Victoria Memorial outside the Palace as thousands of people packed the streets.
You can read more about what the young royal was up to here.
There he is, the Meme King-In-Chief himself, Prince Louis!#VEDay #VEDay80 #MemeKing pic.twitter.com/LhM6nkcAxR
— Matthew Rimmer (@MatthewRimmer) May 5, 2025
Prince George joins his parents meeting veterans at Buckingham Palace
14:26 , Jacob PhillipsPrince George has joined his mother and father the Prince and Princess of Wales to meet veterans at Buckingham Palace.
He was seen alongside William chatting with 101-year-old Alfred Littlefield.
Meanwhile, Kate was seated alongside veteran Joe Mines.
Footage shows moment Red Arrows pass over London
14:08 , Matt WattsFootage shared online has shown the incredible moment the Red Arrows passed over London as part of the VE Day 80th annivesary commemorations.
Red arrows fly pass in London. pic.twitter.com/8G52hHITQn
— London & UK Street News (@CrimeLdn) May 5, 2025
Red Arrows stun crowds with formation flypast
14:00The crowd cheered, clapped and waved flags as the Red Arrows flew over the Palace, before the band played God Save The King.
Among those who saw the flypast from Buckingham Palace was Ruth Barnwell, 100, who joined the Women’s Royal Naval Service aged 17 when her brother’s friend was killed on HMS Hood, which was sunk during the Battle of the Denmark Strait on May 24 1941 by the German battleship Bismarck.
Regarding the commemoration, she told PA: “It was great. Really great. Today has been wonderful.”
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Royal family watch flypast from Palace balcony
13:50King Charles and other senior members of the royal family have watched the flypast from the Palace balcony.
The King, Queen Camilla, The Prince and Princess of Wales, and their children watched the flypast of military aircraft, before the Red Arrows flew past in formation.
Flypast coming up, with royals to watch from Buckingham Palace balcony
13:35 , Matt WattsThe Red Arrows flypast is due to take place at 1.45pm - with the King and other senior royals set to watch from Buckingham Palace balcony.
Huge crowds will watch from the Mall having filled it after the end of the military parade.
Procession ends as the Royal Family head to Buckingham Palace
13:03The procession has come to a close as the final regiments pass Buckingham Palace.
The Royal Family were seen shaking hands with veterans as they got up from their seats.
The Prince and Princess of Wales were seen saying goodbye to veterans before they headed inside.
A tea party will now be hosted inside Buckingham Palace with around 50 veterans.
King and Queen chat with Auxiliary Air Force veteran
12:49 , Jacob PhillipsKing Charles chatted to Joy Trew, 98, sitting on his left, who enlisted in the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force aged 17 in 1944 and served as a wireless operator working at RAF Chicksands Priory in Bedfordshire, a station taking morse code messages from stations in Germany.
Beside him was Camilla who had Royal British Legion veteran Jack Mortimer on her right.
Camilla shared a laugh with veteran Jack Mortimer, sitting next to her, as she tucked herself under the material, with the bank holiday Monday seeing a drop from recent warm temperatures.
She later placed her hand on her hat in an apparent effort to keep it steady in the wind.
Kate was sitting beside another Royal British Legion veteran Bernard Morgan who had earlier appeared to show her some vintage photographs.
King remains standing as regiments go past Buckingham Palace
12:42 , Jacob PhillipsThe King has remained standing and saluting as the procession continues to march past Buckingham Palace.
Charles stood alone as part of the procession, as regiment after regiment reached the palace and turned left back towards St James’ Park.
Around 1300 members of the armed forces, including the Royal Navy, the Royal Marines, the British Army and the Royal Air Force, along with Commonwealth nations, Ukraine, and Nato allies, are taking part in the military procession.
Princess of Wales seen deep in conversation with veteran
12:33The Princess of Wales was seen deep in conversation with a military veteran as the procession continued.
Kate was seen looking at a photo with veteran Bernard Morgan as she watched on.
Meanwhile, the King stood and saluted as the first soldiers reached the Queen Victoria Memorial.
Before the procession arrived, cadets and scouts watching on cheered and waved to the royal family from the paths nearby.
Prince Louis tries to grab his father's attention
12:25The Prince of Wales was seen waving with his three children as they watched the procession.
Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis smiled and waved as they sat watching the event.
Prince William could be seen explaining what was going on to his youngest son Prince Louis who later appeared to be checking out his father’s military outfit.
Louis briefly struggled to gain the attention of his father, the Prince of Wales as the family sat on the Queen Victoria Memorial to watch the VE Day parade.
The young prince sat next to his father tapped his shoulder repeatedly while William was in conversation.
After a few moments, William turned to his youngest son and they spoke.
Royal Family seen speaking to veterans at the procession
12:17 , Jacob PhillipsThe Royal Family have been seen speaking to military veterans as they watch the procession.
There was applause from the crowds as the King and Queen, the Prince and Princess of Wales, as well as Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, took their seats to watch the military procession arrive at Buckingham Palace.
They joined other royals and Second World War veterans on the Queen Victoria Memorial outside Buckingham Palace to observe military units processing down The Mall from Whitehall.
Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis were last seen together in public when they attended the Christmas Day church service on the Sandringham Estate.
William shook the hand of one veteran as he passed him to take his seat, and his children followed his example with Kate the last to greet the old serviceman and she sat beside him.
He later appeared to show her some photographs and she took one to give it a closer look.
Around 50 veterans will gather at Buckingham Palace for a tea party following the procession.
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The Procession begins as the Torch for Peace is presented to 100-year-old veteran Alan Kennett
12:12The Torch for Peace, organised by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, was presented to the 100-year-old veteran Alan Kennett.
In an interview ahead of the VE Day event, the RAF veteran recalled being “gobsmacked” after he bumped into his father by chance during the Allied invasion of Normandy.
As part of the ceremony, Kennett gave permission for the procession to start at Parliament Square - and with that the mounted soldiers began to make their way up Whitehall towards Trafalgar Square.
Big Ben rings out over Parliament Square before Churchill's speech read out
12:05As midday struck, Big Ben rang out over Parliament Square, marking the start of the procession.
Moments later, actor Timothy Spall read from Winston Churchill's famous VE Day speech on May 8 1945.
“Do not despair, do not yield to violence and tyranny. March straight forward and die if need be unconquered,” he finished.
Spall famously portrayed the wartime prime minister in the film The King's Speech.
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War-time songs play out across Parliament Square
11:56 , Jacob PhillipsMusic from the Second World War has been playing out in Westminster.
A military band in Parliament Square has been playing songs such as ‘War Days’ and ‘A Cockney Cocktail’ before the procession gets underway shortly.
Winston Churchill's famous VE Day speech will be read aloud by actor Timothy Spall as Big Ben strikes at midday.
A military procession with around 1,300 people will then make its way from Parliament Square to Buckingham Palace.
Soldiers make their way to Parliament Square
11:39 , Jacob PhillipsSoldiers have been marching down to Parliament Square to get ready for the procession.
Regiments have begun to line the famous square next to the Houses of Parliament before the main event begins at midday.
Mounted troops from the Household Cavalry and the King's Troop, Royal Horse Artillery, headed slowly down the Mall with people looking on from both sides of the road.
Military head down the Mall to get in position for the procession
11:17 , Jacob PhillipsMembers of the military have been heading down the Mall to get into position for the procession, which is due to begin shortly after midday.
Meanwhile, groups of cadets and scouts have gathered on the path closest to the Queen Victoria Memorial and have been posing for group photos with Buckingham Palace in the background.
Young people are chatting excitedly and watching on, waiting until the procession begins.
A few people have Union flags which they are waving in the air.
Crowds begin to gather in central London
10:50 , Jacob PhillipsCrowds have begun to gather in central London, with the procession now just over an hour away.
People are beginning to gather near the Cenotaph ahead of the procession at noon.
Maria Crook, 69, travelled from Devon to London on Sunday and set up to watch the procession from Whitehall early this morning.
“I think it’s extremely important to pay our respects and honour those who have died for us,” she said.
The 69-year-old, wearing a hat with red, white and blue ribbons tied to it, sat near the Cenotaph and attached a large Union flag with silhouettes of paratroopers on it to the barriers in front of her.
“I came for VE Day in 2005 and the atmosphere was fantastic.
“I’m going to dash down to Buckingham Palace after I’ve seen the procession,” she said.
“I want to get a great view of the Red Arrows and hopefully see Charles too.”
'It’s the smallest thing we can do to say thank you for 80 years of peace'
10:32 , Jacob PhillipsOne group of women gathered outside the Palace have brought along song sheets to pass out to the crowd.
They practised singing their songs ahead of the parade.
Mandy Ellis, 67, from the Midlands, said: “We do all the royal events. I’ve been doing this 60 years now.
“We all get the gang together – there’s seven of us come down. The oldest is my Auntie Linda, she’s 87. My daughter Cara, she’s the youngest.”
Wearing a Union flag hat, she said: “I sing in the local choir, we’ve had some song sheets over the years for different events so I just adapted them at home. We’ve got everything from Land of Hope and Glory, We’ll Meet Again, Pack Up Your Troubles, the National Anthem.
“It’s the smallest thing we can do to say thank you for 80 years of peace and the sacrifice everyone made.”
Veterans wait on the Mall for parade
10:09 , Jacob PhillipsLizzie McCrae MacIntyre, a retired Women’s Royal Air Force veteran, arrived at the Admiralty Arch, Westminster at 4am to see the parade.
Ms MacIntyre, who travelled from Surrey, said: “It’s so important to remember those that didn’t make it home.
“My dad was military, my brother was Air Force.”
Geoffrey York, 71, said: “We are all ex-military.”
The Household Cavalry veteran said: “We were here for the coronation, we camped out for three nights for the Queen’s funeral.
“It’s a big day for us to pay our respects.
“My dad was a prisoner of war in Tobruk, Libya. He escaped in 1944.”
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'Eighty years ago we were stronger together and today we are stronger together'
09:56 , Jacob PhillipsGarrison Sergeant Major Vern Stokes, who is in charge of the VE Day military procession, said the participation of Ukrainian and Nato troops is a reminder that “allies really do matter”.
He told BBC Breakfast that it is “right” for Ukrainian and Nato troops to take part in the procession in central London, where from midday 1,300 people will march along The Mall.
He said: “Eighty years ago we were stronger together and today we are stronger together, and it’s just a reminder for us that allies really do matter and it’s nice for them to be able to take part.”
Calling veterans the “VVIPs”, he added: “Today is very much their day and we’re very proud to be able to honour them.”
Wartime generation's 'selfless devotion, duty and service' must never be forgotten, says Buckingham Palace aide
09:42 , Jacob PhillipsFollowing Queen Elizabeth II’s death in 2022, this year will be the first landmark VE Day commemoration without any of the royals who stood on the balcony in 1945.
On that day, large crowds gathered outside Buckingham Palace to catch a glimpse of King George VI, Queen Elizabeth, and Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret.
The young Princess Elizabeth sneaked out into the streets to join the celebrating crowds and later spoke of being swept up in a “tide of happiness and relief”.
Street parties will be held in towns and cities across the UK as part of the special events – including community tea parties, 1940s dress-up events, and gatherings aboard Second World War warships.
The King, Queen and other members of the royal family are looking forward to all the week’s VE Day events, a Palace aide said.
“They will unite with the rest of the nation and those across the Commonwealth and wider world in celebrating, commemorating and giving thanks to the wartime generation whose selfless devotion, duty and service should stand as an enduring example to us all – and must never be forgotten.”
What to expect from VE Day celebrations today
09:30 , Jacob PhillipsVE Day celebrations get underway in a few hours when Winston Churchill's famous VE Day speech will be read aloud by actor Timothy Spall as Big Ben strikes at midday.
Ten minutes later, a military procession of some 1,300 people will make their way from Parliament Square to Buckingham Palace.
The King and Queen will be joined by the Prince and Princess of Wales in watching the procession on the palace balcony.
At 1.45pm there will be a flypast with 23 current and historic military aircraft.
The King and Queen will then host a tea party at Buckingham Palace for 50 veterans, their families and other members of the wartime generation.
Street parties will also take place across the country on Bank Holiday Monday.
Where is the procession taking place?
09:16 , Jacob PhillipsThe procession will begin shortly after midday on Monday, with lan Kennett, a 100-year-old Normandy veteran, starting the event.
The procession, which involves more than 1,300 members of the armed forces and youth groups, begins after Mr Kennett receives the Commonwealth War Graves’ Torch For Peace from air cadet Warrant Officer Emmy Jones.
They are set to march down Whitehall, through Admiralty Arch and up The Mall towards Buckingham Palace.
The Nato detachment, which will also include personnel from Poland, Lithuania and Sweden, will march in the procession wearing the uniforms of their respective nations under the Nato flag.
Representatives of the Ukrainian military, selected from the UK armed forces’ training programme for Ukrainian recruits Operation Interflex, will also take part.
The Cenotaph will be dressed in Union flags.
Today, Londoners come together for VE Day 80—marking the end of WWII in Europe and honouring our brave veterans.
— Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan (@MayorofLondon) May 5, 2025
A commemorative procession and flypast will take place in London and will be broadcast nationally.
If you're attending, plan ahead: https://t.co/jCrg3phq8i#VEDay80
Spitfire crashes hours before VE Day celebrations
08:55 , Jacob PhillipsA horrified eyewitness has described the terrifying moment a Spitfire crashed into a farmer's field in Kent, just hours before Britain's VE Day celebrations were set to begin.
The World War II-era aircraft was spotted circling over West Hythe at around 7pm on Saturday evening before making an emergency crash landing.
Eyewitness Emily was driving home when she saw the Spitfire in the air moments before it went down. The pilot and passenger miraculously escaped without injury.
Emily, who asked not to share her surname, told KentOnline: “We were on our way home from shopping and saw another Spitfire circling, which we thought was unusual so thought perhaps they’re practising for a VE-Day ceremony.
“We watched that Spitfire for a couple of minutes and it flew off. So we continued driving, and came across the plane which had just crashed. The pilot and passenger were luckily out of the aircraft.
“Bystanders were walking across the field. So we pulled up and then walked across the field ourselves to check everyone was okay."
Read more about the crash here.
Sir Keir Starmer: 'Our debt can ever fully be repaid'
08:44 , Jacob PhillipsSir Keir Starmer said the stories we will hear this week from those who fought are a reminder that “our victory was not just for Britain”.
“It was also a victory for good against the assembled forces of hatred, tyranny and evil.
“VE Day is a chance to acknowledge, again, that our debt to those who achieved it can never fully be repaid,” the Prime Minister said in an open letter to veterans.
Alan Kennett, a 100-year-old Normandy veteran, will start the procession involving more than 1,300 members of the armed forces and youth groups.
They are set to march down Whitehall, through Admiralty Arch and up The Mall towards Buckingham Palace.
The Nato detachment, which will also include personnel from Poland, Lithuania and Sweden, will march in the procession wearing the uniforms of their respective nations under the Nato flag.
Welcome to our VE Day commemorations coverage
08:29 , Matt WattsWelcome to our live coverage as Britain celebrates the 80th anniversary of VE Day.
Four days of celebrations will get under way today.
There'll be a military procession through central London, watched by the King, Queen Camilla, and the Prince and Princess of Wales.
The parade of 1,300 people will makes its way from Parliament Square to Buckingham Palace.
A Red Arrows flypast, in the skies over the capital, will follow with the display also featurng 23 current and historic military aircraft.
The King and Queen will later host a tea party at Buckingham Palace for some 50 veterans, their families and other members of the wartime generation. Street parties will also take place across the UK.
