Britain’s King Charles has called for the commitment of the world to seek lasting peace and preventing warfare.
He made the call in a speech to mark the end of four days of commemorations for the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day at a sombre thanksgiving service at Westminster Abbey, where he and other senior royals joined 10,000 guests, including veterans for a music concert at Horse Guards Parade near Buckingham Palace.
The gathering marked a part of events to remember Nazi Germany’s unconditional surrender, which took effect on May 8, 1945.
The anniversary, which comes at a time of ongoing conflict in Europe with Russia’s war in Ukraine, was also marked with events in France and Germany, while Moscow will hold a major military parade on Friday.
The British monarch echoed the words of his grandfather George VI from 80 years earlier, saying how those who had died in the cause of freedom in World War Two should never be forgotten.
“As we reach the conclusion of the 80th anniversary commemorations, we should remind ourselves of the words of our great wartime leader, Sir Winston Churchill, who said ‘Meeting jaw to jaw is better than war’,” Charles said.
“In so doing, we should also rededicate ourselves not only to the cause of freedom but to renewing global commitments to restoring a just peace where there is war, to diplomacy, and to the prevention of conflict.”
VE Day’s 80th anniversary will be one of the last major celebrations with living veterans attending events, as most are now in their 90s or older.
During his speech Charles also reflected on how his late mother Queen Elizabeth, then a 19-year-old princess, had joined the crowds on VE Day to celebrate, believed to be the only time during her 96 years she mingled with the public unrecognised.
