Four-Day Event to Commemorate 80th Anniversary of Victory in Europe Day in the UK

The UK is holding a four-day series of events starting from the 5th to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day during World War II. In the capital, London, on the 5th, a parade and aircraft flypast were held. Over 1,300 members of the British military, together with armed forces members of NATO allies, marched from Parliament Square to Buckingham Palace. Subsequently, the Royal Air Force also conducted a flypast.

Many people spent the night early in the square to witness this exciting moment.

King Charles III of the UK, Queen Camilla, Crown Prince William, and Princess Kate, along with other members of the royal family, watched from the Buckingham Palace balcony. Later, members of the royal family also held a tea party at Buckingham Palace for veterans.

UK Prime Minister Starmer and his spouse held a street party outside the Prime Minister’s residence on Downing Street, distributing cake to guests.

Starmer wrote an open letter to veterans, thanking them for their selfless dedication, stating that without their service to the country, the freedom, peace, and joy embodied in these celebrations would not be possible.

On May 8, 1945, the UK and its allies formally accepted Nazi Germany's surrender, a day which many European countries have designated as Victory in Europe Day to commemorate the end of World War II in Europe.