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".
King Charles and Queen Camilla expressed deep shock and sadness after a car plowed into crowds celebrating Liverpool FC’s Premier League victory.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla will welcome French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron for a state visit to the United Kingdom from July 8 to 10, Buckingham Palace announced.
On a landmark visit to Rome, King Charles emphasized the enduring bond between Britain and Italy, calling for unity and peace amid ongoing conflict in Europe.
Britain's King Charles is resuming public duties this week after a brief hospital visit due to side effects from his cancer treatment. Following a restful weekend, he is preparing for a regular working week at Windsor Castle, with some appointments rescheduled ahead of his state visit to Italy.
Britain's King Charles was briefly hospitalized due to temporary side effects from cancer treatment and has cancelled Friday’s engagements on medical advice.
Landslides and flash floods caused by days of heavy monsoon rain have killed at least 22 people in India’s northeast, officials said.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said Saturday that the border conflict with Thailand “must be resolved with patience and through legal and diplomatic channels.”
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi spoke by phone with IAEA Director Rafael Mariano Grossi, warning that any political actions against Iran at next week’s Board of Governors meeting would have consequences.
Türkiye expressed deep sorrow Saturday over the devastating floods in Nigeria’s Niger State, which have claimed over 150 lives.
A bridge collapse in the Vygonichsky district of Russia’s Bryansk region, near the Ukrainian border, caused a train derailment and a traffic accident early Sunday, killing at least seven people and leaving 30 injured, according to emergency services.
On May 28, the inauguration ceremony of Lachin International Airport was held.
A car drove into crowds of Liverpool fans celebrating the club’s Premier League title in the city centre on Monday evening, injuring dozens including 4 children. A 53-year-old man believed to be the driver was arrested at the scene.
EU ministers have greenlit a massive €150 billion defense investment fund—dubbed the Security Action for Europe (SAFE)—as the bloc ramps up its military readiness in response to Russia’s aggression and growing uncertainty over U.S. security guarantees.
Brazil’s economy is expected to have regained momentum in the first quarter of 2025, driven by a surge in household spending and private investment, according to a Reuters poll of economists conducted from May 21–26.
An international academic conference titled "Islamophobia: Exposing Prejudice and Destroying Stigma" has officially opened in the capital of Azerbaijan, bringing together global scholars, experts, and policymakers to address the rise and consequences of anti-Muslim discrimination.
Türkiye’s first floating natural gas production platform, Osman Gazi, reached Filyos Port in Zonguldak on May 31.
Authorities in Whatcom County, Washington, issued a warning Friday after a truck carrying honey bee hives overturned near the Canadian border, initially prompting fears that millions of bees had been released.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will travel to Washington next week to meet U.S. President Donald Trump.
Landslides and flash floods caused by days of heavy monsoon rain have killed at least 22 people in India’s northeast, officials said.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said Saturday that the border conflict with Thailand “must be resolved with patience and through legal and diplomatic channels.”
Landslides and flash floods caused by days of heavy monsoon rain have killed at least 22 people in India’s northeast, officials said.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said Saturday that the border conflict with Thailand “must be resolved with patience and through legal and diplomatic channels.”
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi spoke by phone with IAEA Director Rafael Mariano Grossi, warning that any political actions against Iran at next week’s Board of Governors meeting would have consequences.
Türkiye expressed deep sorrow Saturday over the devastating floods in Nigeria’s Niger State, which have claimed over 150 lives.
A bridge collapse in the Vygonichsky district of Russia’s Bryansk region, near the Ukrainian border, caused a train derailment and a traffic accident early Sunday, killing at least seven people and leaving 30 injured, according to emergency services.
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