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 will welcome U.S. President Donald Trump for a state visit later this year, marking the president’s second official visit to the U.K. under royal invitation.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met King Charles at Windsor Castle on Monday during a short visit to the UK aimed at strengthening defense ties and increasing pressure on Russia.
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.
NATO member states have agreed to raise their defence spending target to 5% of GDP, marking a sharp increase from the previous 2% goal.
Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) held the 12th session of their Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) in Abu Dhabi, the first in 13 years, according to Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry.
At least 11 people have died after a landslide triggered by heavy rain struck parts of northwestern Colombia, local authorities confirmed Wednesday.
At least 16 people were killed during anti-government protests across Kenya on Wednesday, with rights groups accusing police of using lethal force against demonstrators marking the anniversary of last year's deadly unrest.
Florida has started constructing a new migrant detention centre deep in the Everglades, a remote wetland known for its treacherous wildlife, as part of the Trump administration’s efforts to expand detention capacity.
Iran launched 18 ballistic missiles late Sunday targeting the U.S. military’s Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest American installation in the Middle East.
Iranian missiles struck multiple locations across Israel and neighbouring regions early Friday morning, including a Microsoft office complex, according to emergency responders and local media reports.
A high-speed tram derailment in central Gothenburg, Sweden, has left at least eight people injured late on Thursday (19 June), after the vehicle slammed into a snack bar on Avenyn Avenue.
Wizz Air has suspended all flights to and from Tel Aviv, Israel, and its European services to Amman, Jordan, effective immediately until 15 September due to escalating situation in the Middle East. Also, the air carrier temporarily suspended its flights between Astana, Kazakhstan, and Abu Dhabi.
China has unveiled a mosquito-sized bionic drone designed for covert military operations and battlefield reconnaissance, marking a major advance in micro-robotics and stealth technology as part of the country’s growing focus on next-generation warfare capabilities.
U.S. President Donald Trump has likened American strikes on Iranian nuclear sites to the end of World War Two, claiming the operation ended the Iran-Israel conflict despite intelligence assessments suggesting limited impact.
NATO member states have agreed to raise their defence spending target to 5% of GDP, marking a sharp increase from the previous 2% goal.
Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) held the 12th session of their Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) in Abu Dhabi, the first in 13 years, according to Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry.
At least 11 people have died after a landslide triggered by heavy rain struck parts of northwestern Colombia, local authorities confirmed Wednesday.
At least 16 people were killed during anti-government protests across Kenya on Wednesday, with rights groups accusing police of using lethal force against demonstrators marking the anniversary of last year's deadly unrest.
NATO member states have agreed to raise their defence spending target to 5% of GDP, marking a sharp increase from the previous 2% goal.
Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) held the 12th session of their Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) in Abu Dhabi, the first in 13 years, according to Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry.
At least 11 people have died after a landslide triggered by heavy rain struck parts of northwestern Colombia, local authorities confirmed Wednesday.
At least 16 people were killed during anti-government protests across Kenya on Wednesday, with rights groups accusing police of using lethal force against demonstrators marking the anniversary of last year's deadly unrest.
Florida has started constructing a new migrant detention centre deep in the Everglades, a remote wetland known for its treacherous wildlife, as part of the Trump administration’s efforts to expand detention capacity.
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