King Charles III has expressed deep reverence for the heroes commemorated on Victory over Japan Day (VJ Day), emphasizing that their remarkable service and sacrifices during World War II will “never be forgotten”. This reflection comes as the world marks the 80th anniversary of VJ Day, a significant occasion denoting the date when Japan surrendered to the Allied forces in 1945, ultimately culminating in the end of the war.
In an audio message recorded earlier in August 2025, King Charles states his solemn commitment to honor those who fought valiantly in the Pacific and the Far East, declaring that the contributions of the fallen shall remain etched in the collective memory. His poignant remarks are set against a backdrop of various memorial events aimed at recognizing the sacrifices made during this pivotal moment in history.
On Friday, August 15, the King and Queen, along with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, will participate in a remembrance service at the National Memorial Arboretum located in Staffordshire. This gathering serves as a tribute not only to the soldiers from Britain and the Commonwealth, of whom approximately 71,000 lost their lives in conflicts against Japan, but also to the many civilians and prisoners of war who experienced harrowing conditions during this tumultuous period.
The national observance of VJ Day takes place each year on August 15 and involves memorial activities across the UK. Sir Keir Starmer, acknowledging the sacrifices made by these servicemen and women, emphasized the country’s debt to them, remarking, “Our country owes a great debt to those who fought for a better future, so we could have the freedoms and the life we enjoy today.” He stressed the importance of perpetually honoring these sacrifices for future generations.
In his forthcoming message, King Charles is expected to reflect on the historical announcement made by his grandfather, King George VI, who, eight decades ago, informed the nation and the Commonwealth of the war’s conclusion. The King’s sentiments might also touch upon the experiences of Prisoners of War and civilians in occupied territories, underlining that the ramifications of war extend far beyond the battlefield, affecting all walks of life.
The royal address will highlight the extraordinary collaboration witnessed during the war, showcasing the unity that characterized relationships between different nations across vast distances and cultural divides. The theme of interconnectedness, emphasizing that “in times of war and in times of peace, the greatest weapons are not the arms you bear but the arms you link,” will resonate throughout his message.
Events to commemorate the 80th anniversary began with a poignant sunset ceremony at the Memorial Gates in central London, where tributes were paid to Commonwealth personnel. This auspicious occasion included a light show that illuminated stories from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s digital platform, For Evermore. Lord Boateng, the chairman of the Memorial Gates Council, laid a wreath on behalf of King Charles during this significant ceremony.
On the day of VJ Day, military pipers will perform the lament “Battle’s O’er” at various notable locations, including the Cenotaph and Edinburgh Castle. Furthermore, the service at the National Arboretum will feature a flypast from historic military aircraft like the Red Arrows, Dakota, Hurricane, and Spitfire, adding a celebratory yet somber ambiance to the day’s events.
As the day draws to a close, a special commemorative event featuring 400 Armed Forces personnel will include live music from military bands. The service will be broadcasted live on BBC One, culminating in a two-minute silence observed nationwide at noon. The King and Queen will subsequently meet with veterans, acknowledging their invaluable contributions during the conflict.
To further mark this historic occasion, numerous landmarks across the UK will be illuminated at 21:00, including iconic sites like Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, and the White Cliffs of Dover. The remembrance of VJ Day serves not only to honor the past but also acts as a reminder of the importance of peace and unity in a contemporary context, with final activities continuing later in the autumn to celebrate those who served.
