The Royal Family is preparing for an emotional and historic gathering this May as they mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day with a special Service of Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey. The event, which will honor the veterans and families affected by World War II, is expected to be a deeply moving occasion for Queen Camilla.
Although Buckingham Palace has yet to officially confirm the details, sources indicate that King Charles, Queen Camilla, Prince William, and Princess Kate will all be in attendance. The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, along with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, are also expected to join the commemoration.
Royal expert Jennie Bond has suggested that the day will be particularly emotional for Camilla, who will be remembering her father, Bruce Shand, a decorated World War II veteran.
Speaking to GB News, Bond explained, “It will be emotional for everyone. The King will have so many memories of his father’s wartime service and his mother’s short time in the Auxiliary Territorial Service. Camilla will have similar memories of her own father.”
Camilla’s father, Bruce Shand, served with distinction during the war. He was taken as a prisoner of war in Germany but later won a Military Cross for gallantry during the Battle of Dunkirk. His courage and sacrifice have always been a source of pride for the Queen, making such commemorative events deeply personal.
Bond believes the entire Royal Family will be visibly moved by the occasion. “I’m sure they will all find it an emotional event. Charles, in particular, finds pageantry and music extremely moving. I don’t think he, or Camilla or William and Catherine, will be shy about showing their emotions.”
Queen Camilla has previously been seen getting emotional at remembrance events. At last year’s D-Day remembrance service, she was visibly moved while listening to a veteran’s powerful testimony, highlighting her deep respect for those who served. Given her father’s personal connection to the war, the upcoming VE Day service could prove even more poignant.
King Charles, despite undergoing cancer treatment, remains committed to honoring the sacrifices of past generations.
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The King has often spoken about the importance of remembering history and paying tribute to those who fought for freedom. His late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, served briefly in the Auxiliary Territorial Service, a fact that Charles has always looked back on with great admiration.
Prince William and Princess Kate, who have been stepping up their royal duties amid Charles’ health struggles, are also expected to play an important role in the event.
William, who has long supported military charities, has consistently championed the importance of remembering veterans. Kate, who has a deep appreciation for history, is likely to be particularly engaged in the occasion as well.
The upcoming service will be a moment of national reflection, bringing together members of the armed forces, veterans, and their families. It will serve as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made and the resilience shown during one of history’s darkest periods.
With Charles’ health in focus and Camilla’s personal connection to the war, this year’s VE Day anniversary is set to be one of the most emotionally charged royal events in recent years.
The Royal Family’s participation will not only honor the past but also reinforce their commitment to remembering those who fought for future generations.
