VE Day 2025 live: King and Starmer join veterans at thanksgiving service for 80th anniversary of victory in Europe

A recording of wartime prime minister Sir Winston Churchill’s announcement that the Nazi’s had surrendered is presently being performed out in Westminster Abbey.

Attendees, which embody some 78 veterans, heard Churchill’s voice say: “We might permit ourselves a quick interval of rejoicing. Advance Britannia, lengthy dwell the reason for freedom. God save the King.”

Throughout the service at Westminster Abbey, a letter from Lance Corporal Frederick Charles Burgess despatched to his son throughout WWII was learn out.

Mr Burgess wrote his son, Freddie, a letter while serving within the 2nd Battalion Royal Northumberland Fusiliers, who was serving in Italy.

Mr Burgess died months after writing the letter.

The King and Prince of Wales lay wreaths of seasonal flowers, which might have been in bloom in Might 1945, on the Grave of the Unknown Warrior.

The King did so on behalf of the nation and the Commonwealth, and William for the veterans and the wartime era.

They have been joined by 99-year-old Ken Hay, who served within the 4th Dorset infantry regiment, at their aspect.

The service of thanksgiving has begun in Westminster Abbey.

Some 78 veterans have been joined by the royal household and the prime minister to mark the eightieth anniversary of VE Day.

The King and Prince of Wales will lay wreaths of seasonal flowers on the Grave of the Unknown Warrior on behalf of the nation, the Commonwealth, for the veterans and the wartime era.

Sir Keir Starmer will even give a bible studying through the service and Winston Churchill’s great-great grandson will mild a candle of peace.

On the finish of the service, the tune of We’ll Meet Once more made well-known by forces sweetheart the late Dame Vera Lynn can be heard.

Some members of the royal household have arrived at Westminster Abbey.

Princess Anne, Prince Edward and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, greeted veterans as they walked by the Abbey.