Second World War veterans are set to meet the King at a Buckingham Palace tea party in a special event to help mark VE Day, the Royal British Legion has said.
This comes as Prime Minister Keir Starmer, in an open letter on Sunday, praised veterans for their “selfless dedication” and said the sacrifice made by the armed forces is a “debt that can never fully be repaid”.
Among the 30 veteran guests of honour expected to attend are a 98-year-old former prisoner of war, a 99-year-old who served with the Desert Rats and took part in the D-Day landings, and a 100-year-old woman who worked in Churchill’s Secret Army.
They will have prime seats for the military parade and flypast in central London, as the nation begins its VE Day 80th anniversary celebrations on Monday.
Royal British Legion director general Mark Atkinson said the charity was “proud” to be “at the heart of these national celebrations and commemorations”.
Veterans from the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force — including Wrens, Special Operations Executive members, D-Day veterans and Desert Rats — will attend the Buckingham Palace tea party with the King and other members of the Royal Family.
They will be joined by veterans who were still serving in conflict zones after VE Day, those who supported the war effort on the home front, their families and carers.
Evacuees are also among the 20 other guests from the Second World War generation expected to attend.
Also on Monday, Charles and Camilla will lead the nation at events with a military procession through central London.
At 12pm, the Royal Family are expected to appear on the Buckingham Palace balcony to watch the RAF flypast
This will be the first major VE Day anniversary without any of the royals who appeared on the Buckingham Palace balcony on the day victory in Europe was declared, following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022.
Royals hope ‘nothing will distract’ celebrations
The Prime Minister said the nation will show its gratitude during events marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe.
As the country falls silent on Thursday, he said his thoughts will be with both those who served and those who “carry the torch of their legacy”.
“Alongside our history and our values, service is the other great force that binds a nation together,” he wrote.
“So this week, I want you to know: the whole nation is inspired by the selfless dedication of your example.”
Meanwhile, the Royal Family hopes “nothing will detract or distract” from the VE Day 80th anniversary celebrations, following Prince Harry’s bombshell interview.
The King and Queen are said to be looking forward to this week’s events, which will remember the “selfless devotion, duty and service” of the wartime generation.
Personnel from NATO allies, including the US, France, and Germany, will join the procession in London.
The commemorations will begin with the words of Sir Winston Churchill’s 1945 victory speech, delivered by actor Timothy Spall.
Thousands of people across the country will be attending street parties and picnics to celebrate Victory in Europe Day as official celebrations kick off this week.
What else is happening this week as part of VE Day celebrations?
Tuesday May 6
An installation of 30,000 ceramic poppies will go on display at the Tower of London and key buildings will be lit up.
Wednesday May 7
On the eve of VE Day, an anniversary concert will be held in Westminster Hall.
Thursday, May 8
The King and Queen, joined by other members of the royal family, will attend a thanksgiving service with veterans at Westminster Abbey on May 8 to mark the day of the anniversary. Beacons will also be lit across the UK.
In the evening, the royal couple will be at Horse Guards Parade for a celebratory concert where Second World War veterans are expected to be among more than 12,500 guests.
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