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King Charles addresses nation on VJ Day

The King records a pre-recorded address to mark the 80th anniversary of VJ Day and a national remembrance.

August 14, 2025 at 07:37 PM
blur King Charles to address nation at 7.30am

The King marks the 80th anniversary of VJ Day with a pre-recorded address and a nationwide remembrance.

King Charles addresses nation on VJ Day 80th anniversary

The King's pre-recorded address will be broadcast at 7.30am from the Morning Room at Clarence House, ahead of a remembrance service at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire. VJ Day on August 15 marks the 80th anniversary of Japan's surrender to the Allies in 1945. In the message, Charles will reflect on the horrors endured by prisoners of war and civilians in the region and pledge that the service and sacrifice of those veterans will never be forgotten.

The service will be attended by the King and Queen, Second World War veterans, and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. The BBC will broadcast the service live, and the day will conclude with a two-minute national silence, a Red Arrows display, and a flypast by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. The Royal British Legion, in partnership with the government, is organizing the event and laying floral tributes.

Key Takeaways

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A royal address marks the 80th anniversary of VJ Day with a focus on memory and unity
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The event blends ceremony with live media coverage by the BBC
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Veterans and WWII groups are central to the service
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The speech echoes historic royal broadcasts for continuity
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The monarchy's public role in wartime memory remains politically charged
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Two-minute silence and aerial displays are key ceremonial elements
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Prime Minister is invited, signaling political significance

"they left us the example of how it can and must be protected"

A line from the address about wartime sacrifice

"the greatest weapons of all are not the arms you bear but the arms you link"

A key line on unity and collaboration

"shall never be forgotten"

Commitment to remembering those who served

The ceremony sits at the crossroads of memory and state ritual. It keeps wartime sacrifice in the public eye while presenting a steady, hopeful image of national unity. By framing the past as a shared obligation across nations, faiths, and generations, the monarchy reinforces continuity in a changing political landscape.

Yet this kind of pageantry carries meaning beyond memory. The involvement of a sitting prime minister signals political weight, and critics may question funding and the monarchy's role in public life. When memory becomes a public performance, the line between reverence and politics can blur, shaping how younger generations perceive history and duty.

Highlights

  • Memory binds a nation more than victory ever could
  • The links we forge are stronger than weapons
  • We remember so we choose better
  • Unity across distances and faiths is the true victory

Political sensitivities surround royal VJ Day address

Coverage highlights a royal ceremony with high public and political attention. The presence of the Prime Minister and the framing of wartime memory could spark debate about the monarchy role and funding in modern Britain.

Memory is a living bridge between past and future.

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