King Charles to Address Nation on 80th Anniversary of VJ Day

King Charles III is set to deliver a significant address to the nation on August 15, 2025, commemorating the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan (VJ) Day. This poignant moment marks the end of the Second World War, when Allied forces celebrated their victory over Japan. The King’s address will be reminiscent of his grandfather, King George VI, who honored the sacrifices of British soldiers during his historic address on the same date in 1945.

The audio address, to be released by Buckingham Palace, will reflect the King’s personal sentiments as he acknowledges the “duty and sacrifice of our greatest generation.” Sources indicate that King Charles has crafted the statement himself, emphasizing the importance of remembering those who fought for freedom during the war.

Commemorative Events Planned

As part of the national commemorations, a two-minute silence will be observed across the country to honor the 80th anniversary of VJ Day. A remembrance service at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire is scheduled for the same day. This event will feature a 400-strong contingent from the armed forces, a performance by the Red Arrows, and historic aircraft from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

The remembrance service, organized in partnership with the Royal British Legion, will see attendance from Second World War veterans, high-ranking politicians, and military officials, as noted by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Tom Berry, a 101-year-old veteran and ambassador for the Royal British Legion, expressed that the day will evoke strong emotions for veterans who served during this significant period. He stated, “For veterans like me and all those who carried on fighting until VJ Day was announced, this will be a very emotional day—a moment in history.”

Call for National Reflection

In a show of solidarity, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has urged citizens to remain at home and watch the commemorative service on television. He remarked, “I’ll be watching the service at home, and I’d ask the country to do the same—to stop and remember all those who gave so much for our freedoms, and those who never made it back.”

King Charles has been actively involved in commemorating the history of the Second World War. Earlier this year, he traveled to Poland to mark 80 years since the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau. During his visit, the King emphasized that “the act of remembering the evils of the past remains a vital task,” engaging with Holocaust survivors to ensure that their stories are not forgotten.

While VJ Day on August 15, 1945, signified the conclusion of the war in Asia, it followed the earlier celebration of Victory in Europe (VE) Day on May 8, 1945. The conflict with Japanese forces continued for an additional three months, involving thousands of British and Commonwealth soldiers.

During recent commemorations in London, King Charles welcomed some of the last remaining World War II veterans and their families to Buckingham Palace. At a concert held at Horse Guards Parade, he reiterated his grandfather’s sentiments, stating, “His words echo down through history as we unite to celebrate and remember with unwavering gratitude the service and sacrifice of the wartime generation.”

As national organizations collaborate on the series of events next week, the focus remains on acknowledging the contributions of those who served during the war. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy remarked on the importance of remembering those who fought bravely in the Asia-Pacific region, emphasizing that their legacy must be passed on to future generations.

Defence Minister John Healey added, “VJ Day was the final victory in a war that changed the world, and we honor those who served in the Far East with enduring gratitude.” As the nation prepares for these solemn events, the collective memory of sacrifice and courage continues to resonate, underscoring the lessons learned from history.