'REMEMBER THE SACRIFICE OF OUR FAMILY OF NATIONS'

THE King has paid an emotional tribute to service men and women from the Commonwealth who bravely answered the call to fight alongside Britain in World War Two.

- By Stephen Beech

As the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Hitler's Nazis approaches, the monarch spoke of the vital contribution to turning the tide against evil in his Commonwealth Day message.

Charles said: "More than one and a half million men and women who served during the war came from across the Commonwealth to support the United Kingdom and its allies.

"On this special anniversary, we remember with particular pride and everlasting gratitude the untold sacrifice and selflessness of so many from around our Family of Nations who gave their lives in that dreadful conflict. The Commonwealth's ability to bring together people from all over the world has stood the test of time and remains as ever-important today."

Plans have already been revealed to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe on May 8 and Victory over Japan on August 15.

Four days of events to mark VE Day 80 will kick off on Bank Holiday Monday, May 5, with a service at Westminster Abbey, a military procession and a flypast involving current and historic military aircraft..

Nearly 30,000 of the original poppies from the 2014 display at the Tower of London, which commemorated the centenary of the First World War, will also be displayed in a new installation within the walls of the landmark.

To mark VJ Day 80, a service will take place at the National Memorial