Veterans hosted by royals.and PM at VE Day parties

Hundreds of thousands watched from The Mall in London yesterday as an RAF flypast marked the 80th anniversary of Europe’s liberation from the Nazis.

- ALASTAIR JAMIESON

Buckingham Palace’s balcony hosted the royal family’s VE Day commemorations eight decades after King George VI first marked the Second World War’s end from the same spot.

The aerial spectacle was followed by tea parties across Britain, including in Downing Street, where Sir Keir Starmer served up tea and cakes to veterans and other guests.

“The sacrifices of those who fought for peace must never be forgotten,” the prime minister said. “It was a privilege to join Second World War veterans. On behalf of the whole country, thank you for your service.”

Several royals, including the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children, sat among veterans as the current crop of servicemen and women, including Nato allies, marched past the palace in recognition of those who served to defeat Hitler’s regime and bring peace to Europe.

Charles was seated next to Joy Trew, 98, who served as a wireless operator after enlisting in the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force, aged 17, in 1944. The veteran said the king “bent down and tucked me in” to prevent her from getting chilly.

Also among the royal party were the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, and the Duke of Kent, a cousin of Queen Elizabeth II.

When the King and Queen moved inside and up onto the balcony, they acknowledged the cheers of well-wishers and watched a Second World War-era Lancaster bomber lead the aerial display.

The King’s naval No 1 dress uniform reflected the outfit worn by his grandfather, George VI, on VE Day – May 8 1945 – who, with the Queen Mother, made eight balcony appearances to satisfy boisterous crowds at the palace gates.

After Queen Elizabeth II’s death in 2022, this was the first landmark VE Day commemoration without any of the royals who stood on the balcony on that day.