King Charles marks VJ Day

The King delivers an early morning address on the 80th anniversary of VJ Day to honor veterans and reflect on peace.

King Charles marks VJ Day with message of unity and remembrance

In Clarence House, King Charles recorded a six-minute message that echoes the approach used by his grandfather and references leaders such as Mountbatten and General Slim. The speech pays tribute to veterans, including those awarded the Victoria Cross, and notes the suffering of civilians and prisoners of war. It also recalls the final act of the war in the Pacific and acknowledges the costs of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

The King uses the moment to stress unity and the value of cooperation. He notes that victory came through alliances and shared purpose, and he calls on listeners to guard the values shown by veterans. The address includes the Kohima epitaph and a pledge to remember those who served as part of a living national memory.

The broadcast blends memory with a modern monarchy's role in shaping national identity. By invoking Mountbatten and the Burma Star, Charles ties current public life to a colonial past, which may spark discussions about how Britain remembers empire and veterans.

The speech leans toward hopeful resilience, emphasizing the idea that unity and cooperation can protect liberty. It invites a broad audience to reflect on how history shapes policy, defence spending, veterans' care, and how history is taught in schools.

Highlights

The address invites reflection on memory and duty as a shared national project.