Following in his grandfather’s footsteps, King Charles gave a speech to mark the anniversary of VE Day exactly 80 years to the moment that King George VI spoke at the end of the Second World War in Europe.

George VI addressed the nation at at 9pm on May 8 1945. At 9pm on May 8 2025, King Charles III spoke as commemorations for the anniversary came to a close.  

Speaking at Horse Guards Parade in Whitehall, The King quoted George VI, saying ”For as my grandfather put it, ‘We shall have failed, and the blood of our dearest will have flowed in vain, if the victory which they died to win does not lead to a lasting peace, founded on justice and established in good will’

His Majesty also emphasised that these commemorative events are held to remember those who made sacrifices both on the battlefield and on the home front, and the lasting impact that the war had on everyone, as he said “We unite to celebrate and remember with an unwavering and heartfelt gratitude, the service and sacrifice of the wartime generation who made that hard-fought victory possible… While our greatest debt is owed to all those who paid the ultimate price, we should never forget how the war changed the lives of virtually everyone.”

The King has spoken several times in the last year on the importance of continuing to work together against tyranny in whatever form it takes. 

His speech came at the end of a spectacular concert which included music, dance and speech. World War Two veterans joined The King, The Queen and the Prince and Princess of Wales in the royal box for the show.

Queen Camilla was visibly moved throughout the performances and wiped away a tear at one point.