Buckingham Palace has welcomed veterans to meet the royal family as the UK celebrated the upcoming 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day.
Thousands of people lined The Mall and the royals assumed their iconic balcony position to watch the Red Arrows flypast over the palace for a day of grand celebrations.
Veterans were later invited to meet the family, such as 99-year-old Robert Piper who spoke with King Charles “about my service and the memories I have of the war”. Joy Trew, 98, revealed that the King tucked her blanket into her wheelchair to prevent her getting chilly.
A 101-year-old veteran, Alfred Littlefield, said he was is “proud” of Prince George for taking such an interest in his age, the veteran’s daughter has said.
Mr Littlefield added that he was was “very happy” that George has taken an interest in the past after he met him at Buckingham Palace, his daughter said.
The four-day commemorations got underway today as the King and Queen, the Prince and Princess of Wales, and their children were joined by veterans in leading the nation’s events.
Sir Winston Churchill’s victory speech was read out by actor Timothy Spall to open proceedings.
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Key Points
- 101-year-old veteran 'proud' of Prince George
- Royal family appear on Palace balcony to watch as flypast begins
- Red Arrows fly through the sky over London
- Applause from crowds as royal family take seats to watch procession
- Thousands line streets of London for VE Day commemorations
Pictured: Politicians join VE Day celebrations in central London
20:15 , Alex Croft
Starmer praises veterans for ‘selfless dedication’
19:35 , Alex CroftIn an open letter to veterans ahead of VE Day, Sir Keir Starmer thanked for their “selfless dedication”.
The sacrifice made by members of the armed forces is a “debt that can never fully be repaid” but the nation will show how thankful it is during events to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe, the Prime Minister wrote.
He 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,” Sir Keir said.
As the nation falls silent on Thursday, he said his thoughts will turn both to those who served in the Second World War and those who “carry the torch of their legacy” today.
“Alongside our history and our values, service is the other great force that binds a nation together.
“So this week, I want you to know: the whole nation is inspired by the selfless dedication of your example.
“It is not just that you keep us all safe. It is also that you represent the best of who we are. A living link of service that unites the values we must stand for in the present, with the stories we must pass down from our past.”
VE Day street party held on Downing Street
19:00 , Alexander ButlerSir Keir Starmer has held a VE Day street party at Downing Street.
The PM, joined by his wife Lady Starmer, walked out of No 10 holding a plate of cakes, which he then handed out to some of the guests.
Sir Keir then picked up a commemorative teapot and walked around the tables to serve tea before taking his seat.
The military at St John’s Ambulance workers could be seen sat at tables outside No 10 this afternoon.
Earlier, Sir Keir attended a VE Day reception at Buckingham Palace where he thanked veterans for their service to Britain.
Tower Hamlets street party unites war survivors and refugees to honour VE Day
18:30 , Alexander ButlerWar 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.
The planes involved in the flypast for VE Day 80
17:38 , Alexander Butler– Lancaster
One of only two airworthy Lancasters left in the world, it was built at the Vickers Armstrong Broughton factory at Hawarden Airfield, Chester, on May 31 1945.
The war against Japan ended before it was deployed and it did not take part in any hostilities, but it remains a symbol of those who died in service of the country.
– Voyager
The Voyager, based at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, is a modified civilian passenger aircraft. Capable of carrying up to 291 passengers and cargo all over the world, this Voyager was flown by Flight Lieutenant Jason Alty, Flight Lieutenant Will Ricketts, Flight Lieutenant Andy Theobald and Sergeant Handibode.
– A400M Atlas
The Airbus A400M Atlas military transport aircraft, a contemporary plane, can carry up to 37 tonnes and 116 passengers. It was used heavily when the UK evacuated civilians from Afghanistan after the Taliban takeover in 2021.
– C-17 Globemaster
The C-17 Globemaster is a long-range aircraft which can carry heavy loads and is used in combat as well as humanitarian missions. It has been used to support operations in the UK and overseas including providing support to Ukraine and delivering aid to the Middle East during the crisis in Gaza.
– P8 Poseidon MRA1
Based at RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland, the Poseidon is a maritime patrol aircraft. It has sensors and weapons for anti-submarine warfare, and can also be used in search and rescue efforts. It can detect, identify and monitor targets above and below the waves.
– Typhoon FGR4
There were six Typhoons involved in the flypast, flanking other aircraft as they flew over London. Typhoons are based permanently at RAF Coninsby in Lincolnshire and Lossiemouth, where they are ready to respond to potential threats in UK and Nato air space, the Ministry of Defence said.
– Rivet Joint
An electronic surveillance aircraft, Rivet Joint has sensors which can detect emissions from communications, radar and other systems. It has been used as part of Operation Shader, the UK’s contribution in ongoing military intervention in Iraq.
– F-35B Lightning
Flying on each wing of the Rivet Joint were F-35B Lightning jets from RAF Marham in Norfolk. The F-35B Lightning is a short take-off and vertical landing aircraft that can operate from aircraft carriers including the Royal Navy’s Queen Elizabeth-class ships.
– The Red Arrows
The Red Arrows, formally known as the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, provided the colourful finale to the flypast. Since the Red Arrows’ first season in 1965, they have performed almost 5,000 displays in 57 countries. The Red Arrows are led by Red 1, Squadron Leader Jon Bond.
The former frontline Typhoon pilot, from Essex, joined the RAF in 2006. The 2025 season is his second year as team leader, responsible for choreographing the new display routine, which is seen by millions of people at big events and air shows.
101-year-old veteran 'proud' of Prince George
17:22 , Alexander ButlerA 101-year-old veteran is “proud” of Prince George for taking such an interest in his age, the veteran’s daughter has said.
Alfred Littlefield said he was “very happy” that George has taken an interest in the past after he met him at Buckingham Palace, his daughter said.
It came after the royal family and thousands of people lining The Mall watched the Red Arrows flypast over Buckingham Palace for celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day.
King tucked me in when I was cold, veteran says
17:06 , Alexander ButlerA 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.
Watch: Prince Louis teases Prince George by copying behaviour at VE Day parade
16:39 , Alexander ButlerWatch: Veteran helps Queen Camilla with blanket at VE Day commemorations
16:25 , Alexander ButlerPictured: Prince George meets veteran alongside father
16:11
VE Day street party held on Downing Street
15:56 , Alexander ButlerSir Keir Starmer has held a VE Day street party at Downing Street.
The PM, joined by his wife Lady Starmer, walked out of No 10 holding a plate of cakes, which he then handed out to some of the guests.
Sir Keir then picked up a commemorative teapot and walked around the tables to serve tea before taking his seat.
The military at St John’s Ambulance workers could be seen sat at tables outside No 10 this afternoon.
Earlier, Sir Keir attended a VE Day reception at Buckingham Palace where he thanked veterans for their service to Britain.
Former evacuee recalls being called 'dirty Londoner'
15:37 , Alexander ButlerEileen Massett, 93, recalled being evacuated from east London to Wisbech, Norfolk, as a child.
“I was born in 1932, the war broke out in ’39 – I must have been seven. The war stopped that, we went to a little Catholic school, my brother and I,” she said.
“There were 32 of us sleeping in a two-bedroom bungalow. When you’re children you don’t take any notice, it was an adventure to us, it was fun.
“We never knew we were all together. We had green and trees, which we didn’t have in London.
“The country people didn’t want us down there – they threw eggs at us and said ‘dirty Londoners’.”
Tower Hamlets street party unites war survivors and refugees to honour VE Day
15:34 , Alexander ButlerWar 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.
The planes involved in the flypast for VE Day 80
15:30 , Tara Cobham– Lancaster
One of only two airworthy Lancasters left in the world, it was built at the Vickers Armstrong Broughton factory at Hawarden Airfield, Chester, on May 31 1945.
The war against Japan ended before it was deployed and it did not take part in any hostilities, but it remains a symbol of those who died in service of the country.
– Voyager
The Voyager, based at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, is a modified civilian passenger aircraft. Capable of carrying up to 291 passengers and cargo all over the world, this Voyager was flown by Flight Lieutenant Jason Alty, Flight Lieutenant Will Ricketts, Flight Lieutenant Andy Theobald and Sergeant Handibode.
– A400M Atlas
The Airbus A400M Atlas military transport aircraft, a contemporary plane, can carry up to 37 tonnes and 116 passengers. It was used heavily when the UK evacuated civilians from Afghanistan after the Taliban takeover in 2021.
– C-17 Globemaster
The C-17 Globemaster is a long-range aircraft which can carry heavy loads and is used in combat as well as humanitarian missions. It has been used to support operations in the UK and overseas including providing support to Ukraine and delivering aid to the Middle East during the crisis in Gaza.
– P8 Poseidon MRA1
Based at RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland, the Poseidon is a maritime patrol aircraft. It has sensors and weapons for anti-submarine warfare, and can also be used in search and rescue efforts. It can detect, identify and monitor targets above and below the waves.
– Typhoon FGR4
There were six Typhoons involved in the flypast, flanking other aircraft as they flew over London. Typhoons are based permanently at RAF Coninsby in Lincolnshire and Lossiemouth, where they are ready to respond to potential threats in UK and Nato air space, the Ministry of Defence said.
– Rivet Joint
An electronic surveillance aircraft, Rivet Joint has sensors which can detect emissions from communications, radar and other systems. It has been used as part of Operation Shader, the UK’s contribution in ongoing military intervention in Iraq.
– F-35B Lightning
Flying on each wing of the Rivet Joint were F-35B Lightning jets from RAF Marham in Norfolk. The F-35B Lightning is a short take-off and vertical landing aircraft that can operate from aircraft carriers including the Royal Navy’s Queen Elizabeth-class ships.
– The Red Arrows
The Red Arrows, formally known as the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, provided the colourful finale to the flypast. Since the Red Arrows’ first season in 1965, they have performed almost 5,000 displays in 57 countries. The Red Arrows are led by Red 1, Squadron Leader Jon Bond.
The former frontline Typhoon pilot, from Essex, joined the RAF in 2006. The 2025 season is his second year as team leader, responsible for choreographing the new display routine, which is seen by millions of people at big events and air shows.
Prince George is 'interested' in learning about veterans
15:20 , Tara CobhamThe 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 told PA: “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 said: “I’m very proud.”
