The Prince and Princess of Wales have paid tribute to the “courage, sacrifice, and resilience” of soldiers on the 80th anniversary of VJ Day, but the couple are understood to not be attending any events marking the occasion.
While the King will attend a national service of remembrance alongside the Queen and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and military veterans at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, it is understood that William and Kate will not be attending any formal events.
VJ Day marks the anniversary of Japan's surrender to the Allied Forces following the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, which effectively ended the Second World War.
Today, on the 80th anniversary of VJ Day, we remember the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of all who served. Today we especially think of those British and Commonwealth troops who fought in the Asia-Pacific.
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) August 15, 2025
We owe an enduring debt to the generation who gave so much, and to…
In a message posted on social media, William and Kate said: “Today, on the 80th anniversary of VJ Day, we remember the courage, sacrifice and resilience of all who served.
“Today we especially think of those British and Commonwealth troops who fought in the Asia-Pacific.
“We owe an enduring debt to the generation who gave so much, and to whom we will always be grateful.
“Lest we forget. W & C”.
Meanwhile, Charles hailed the “courage and camaraderie” of heroes who fought in the Pacific and Far East in “humanity’s darkest hour” as “a flame that shall blaze for eternity” on the 80th anniversary of VJ Day.
The King also significantly acknowledged the devastation caused by the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki which led to Japan’s surrender, describing the “immense price” on its citizens as one “we pray no nation need ever pay again”.
His reflection on the nuclear attacks, which paved the way for the end of the Second World War, comes at a time of increased concern about the global threat of nuclear conflict.
In an audio message to the nation, realms and Commonwealth, the King spoke of the horrors faced by allied prisoners of war “who endured years of brutal captivity: the starvation, disease and cruelty that tested the very limits of human endurance”, and the “mental and physical scars” the war left on those who survived.
And he vowed the service and sacrifice of VJ Day heroes “shall never be forgotten”, telling their families and the “sadly dwindling band of veterans”: “Please know that the courage and camaraderie displayed in humanity’s darkest hour is a flame that shall blaze for eternity – a beacon that honours our past and guides our future.”
The King, in what is believed to be the most direct reference by a British monarch to the suffering in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, said it was right to pause and acknowledge the impact of the “war’s final act” on the people of the Japanese cities.
A national two-minute silence will be held at noon and the Red Arrows will join historic Spitfire and Hurricane aircraft for flypast over the commemorations in Staffordshire.
