Britain will commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan (VJ) Day on Friday with nationwide events led by King Charles, honouring the end of World War Two and those who served in its final months.
Although the war in Europe ended in May 1945, fighting with Japan continued until 15 August, when Tokyo surrendered following the U.S. atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
King Charles and Queen Camilla will join Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Japan’s ambassador to the UK, and veterans at a National Service of Remembrance, paying tribute to those who fought, endured captivity, and lost their lives in the Far East campaign.
The day’s programme includes a flypast of historic military aircraft and a two-minute silence at midday. “Eighty years since our victory in the Second World War, we pay our respects to the many who fought, were captured, and made the ultimate sacrifice in the Far East,” Starmer said. “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.”
Commemorations will begin at dawn, with military bagpipers performing at The Cenotaph in London, Edinburgh Castle, and the National Memorial Arboretum in central England, where the main service will take place. A piper will also play at a Japanese peace garden, symbolising post-war reconciliation between Britain and Japan.
In the evening, landmarks including Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, the Tower of London, and the White Cliffs of Dover will be illuminated to mark the anniversary.
