King, Queen host VE Day tea party for veterans at Buckingham Palace

King Charles and Queen Camilla will host a tea party at Buckingham Palace for around 50 World War Two veterans as part of the 80th anniversary celebrations of VE Day, with other royals including Prince William and Princess Kate in attendance. The commemorations will begin on May 5 with a large military procession of 1,300 service personnel through central London, followed by a flypast featuring the Red Arrows and historic WWII aircraft. The royals will also attend a service of thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey on May 8, the actual anniversary, and a televised concert at Horse Guards Parade, which will include performances, readings, and a revival of Dad’s Army. The events aim to honor the bravery and sacrifices of the wartime generation, with this likely being the last major anniversary attended by a significant number of surviving veterans. Special moments include Normandy veteran Alan Kennett, aged 100, carrying a Torch for Peace, and the reading of Winston Churchill’s VE Day speech. The celebrations are designed to provide both public and royal recognition of the contributions made during World War Two.