Britain's King Charles has called on the world to work toward lasting peace and preventing future wars during a speech marking the end of four days of events celebrating the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day.
Following a solemn thanksgiving service at Westminster Abbey, Charles and other senior royals joined thousands, including veterans, at a commemorative concert held at Horse Guards Parade near Buckingham Palace. The events honored the surrender of Nazi Germany on May 8, 1945.
Amid ongoing conflict in Europe, especially Russia’s war in Ukraine, similar ceremonies were held in France and Germany. Russia plans a major military parade on Friday.
Speaking at the concert, Charles recalled the sacrifices of those who fought for freedom during World War II. He echoed the words of his grandfather King George VI and praised Winston Churchill’s belief that dialogue is better than conflict.
"As we conclude these commemorations, let us renew our dedication to freedom and commit to resolving conflicts through diplomacy and peace", Charles said.
Earlier, the 76-year-old monarch and Prince William laid wreaths at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior. A nationwide two-minute silence was observed at midday in Britain.
In Moscow, President Vladimir Putin celebrated what he called the "sacred" victory over Nazi Germany and repeated his contested claim that Russia is now fighting "neo-Nazism" in Ukraine. He also met with Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is participating in Russia’s celebrations.
French President Emmanuel Macron honored wartime leader Charles de Gaulle in Paris with a wreath-laying ceremony and military parade. In Berlin, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier warned lawmakers not to forget World War II’s hard-learned lessons.
This anniversary may be among the last major commemorations with surviving World War II veterans, most of whom are now in their 90s or older.
King Charles also reflected on his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, who as a 19-year-old princess celebrated VE Day with crowds in the streets. In her diary, she described dancing the conga and singing into the early morning hours.
Charles ended his speech on a lighter note: "I hope your celebrations tonight are nearly as joyful though I doubt I'll be singing until 2 a.m. or leading a conga line back to Buckingham Palace".
U.S. negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will visit Russia then Ukraine over the weekend, Russian state news agency TASS has reported, citi...
The final day of the 4th International Mine Action Conference in Baku put international cooperation, new technology and national expertise at the h...
U.S. efforts to squeeze Iran’s economy through an oil blockade and sanctions are becoming increasingly difficult for Tehran to withstand, acc...
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that he thinks there is a chance of a peace being reached with Ukraine. He told the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Russia that he believed there was "a chance of finding a solution," to the conflict.
The Iranian Health Ministry said at least 18 people were killed and 142 others injured in U.S. airstrikes carried out between 30 August and 2 September.
The European Union's foreign policy chief Kaia Kallas says the bloc will tighten enforcement of sanctions against Russia over its war in Ukraine. EU foreign ministers were meeting in Ireland following renewed Russian strikes on cities across Ukraine.
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for the 3rd of September, covering the latest developments.
U.S. negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will visit Russia then Ukraine over the weekend, Russian state news agency TASS has reported, citing an unnamed source. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has also said American envoys will visit the capitals of both countries.
U.S. negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will visit Russia then Ukraine over the weekend, Russian state news agency TASS has reported, citing an unnamed source. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has also said American envoys will visit the capitals of both countries.
President Donald Trump is leaving more than a paper trail from his time in office. The U.S. is now minting commemorative $1 coins for America’s 250th anniversary, featuring a portrait of the sitting president.
Pacific Island leaders expressed concern about China's Pacific missile test at their annual summit, though Nauru formally dissented, in a meeting largely overshadowed by Beijing's objections to Taiwan's presence.
China’s southern coastal provinces of Fujian and Guangdong are bracing for more torrential rain after Typhoon Saudel triggered widespread flooding, swept away vehicles and caused a three-storey building to collapse.
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for the 4th of September, covering the latest developments.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment