Queen Camilla Moved to Tears at Tribute to King Charles

Queen Camilla was visibly emotional during a recent event in Staffordshire, where heartfelt tributes were paid to her husband, King Charles. The moment unfolded at a national service of remembrance held on August 15, 2025, to honor veterans on the anniversary of VJ Day, which marks the end of the Second World War in Asia. As King Charles continues his battle with cancer, a poignant tribute from a war veteran resonated deeply, prompting tears from the Queen.

Emotional Tribute During VJ Day Ceremony

At the National Memorial Arboretum, King Charles and Queen Camilla joined Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and approximately 1,500 guests to commemorate the sacrifices made by veterans in the Far East and Pacific. Among them was Yavar Abbas, a 105-year-old veteran who served in Burma during 1945. In a touching moment, he deviated from the prepared script to acknowledge King Charles as a “brave king,” stating, “I make no apologies for briefly going off the script to salute my brave king, who is here with his beloved queen in spite of the fact that he is under treatment for cancer.”

The crowd responded with applause as Mr. Abbas shared his own experience battling cancer and expressed hope that his recovery could provide comfort to others. He emphasized the importance of King Charles’s presence, stating, “By his presence here, he has gone a long way to make sure that his grandad’s 14th Army is never given the sobriquet again of The Forgotten Army.”

Acknowledging the Past and Honoring Heroes

The ceremony was part of a broader observance commemorating the 80th anniversary of VJ Day, which has often been overshadowed by the celebrations of VE Day in May 1945. The event was hosted by actress Celia Imrie and featured notable readings by actor Robert Lindsay, along with musical performances from the National Children’s Choir of Great Britain and the Royal Corps of Signals Pipes and Drums.

In a pre-recorded address to the nation, King Charles expressed that the sacrifices of those who fought and died in the campaigns “shall never be forgotten.” He also recognized the tragic impact of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, highlighting the “immense price” paid by its citizens—a price he hoped no nation would ever have to pay again. He stated, “Please know that the courage and camaraderie displayed in humanity’s darkest hour is a flame that shall blaze for eternity—a beacon that honours our past and guides our future.”

The service began with a two-minute silence followed by a flypast from the Red Arrows. Later, King Charles visited the Far East corner of the arboretum, where he met descendants of Second World War soldiers, including Silas Sarbah and Khadak Chettri. He also encountered William Slim, the great-grandson of General Bill Slim, who led the 14th Army, often referred to as The Forgotten Army.

During the ceremony, veteran George Durrant, aged 100, shared his reflections alongside his great-granddaughter, Elsbeth. Durrant, who enlisted in 1942, highlighted the need for future generations to remember the sacrifices made, urging, “We must look to the future and ensure that the next generation remember our sacrifices so that they can strive for a more peaceful tomorrow.”

This poignant gathering at the National Memorial Arboretum served not only as a tribute to the veterans but also as a moment of reflection on the enduring legacy of sacrifice and bravery in the face of adversity.