The Prince and Princess of Wales joined the King and Queen for a moving VE Day service at Westminster Abbey today, with Kate paying a touching tribute to those who died in the Second World War as she left the ceremony
The Princess of Wales made a moving gesture at the end of a special service at Westminster Abbey to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day. Kate and husband, Prince William, had joined the Royal Family, including the King and Queen, for the service of thanksgiving honouring the sacrifices of those who brought peace to Europe 80 years ago.
A national two minutes silence was observed before the simple ceremony, and among the congregation were veterans of the conflict who helped to defeat fascism on the continent during a war that lasted almost six years. At the end of the ceremony, all of the royals, including Kate, spent time with veterans and their families as they made their way out of the Abbey.
The princess, in an Alexandra Rich dress and earrings that belonged to Princess Diana, crouched down to meet one woman, holding her hand as she chatted to the veteran, who was wearing medals and sat in her wheelchair. William was seen warmly placing his hand on one veteran’s shoulder as he chatted to the former serviceman who stood to speak with the prince and Kate.
Then, as is tradition, a young girl presented Kate with a posy of colourful flowers as she made her way out of the building. But in a moving tribute, she left the flowers at the large circular slate Innocent Victims’ Memorial outside the abbey on departure, as did the Queen.
The blooms were picked yesterday within the walls of Windsor Castle and the surrounding estate. They included rosemary for remembrance, oak for endurance and bluebells, which traditionally represent gratitude.
Kate’s gesture comes as it has been revealed that both she and William will now join Charles and Camilla at Horse Guards Parade for a special concert tonight. The VE Day party, presented by Zoe Ball, will feature performances by The Darkness, Toploader, and classical singer Sir Willard White.
The likes of Samantha Barks, Fleur East, John Newman, Calum Scott and a host of other performers are also set to take to the stage, while the professionals of Strictly Come Dancing will also be performing.
Actor Timothy Spall began VE Day commemorations in London on Monday by reading extracts of then Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill’s victory speech to the nation on May 8 1945. Monday also saw a military procession and flypast in central London, as well as a street party held at Downing Street.
Pubs and bars have been granted permission to stay open for longer to mark the anniversary. Venues in England and Wales which usually close at 11pm tonight will be able to keep serving for an extra two hours to celebrate.
Churches and cathedrals across the country will ring their bells as a collective act of thanksgiving at 6.30pm, echoing the sounds that swept across the country in 1945, the Church of England said.
