The Royal Family will take part in a series of national events to mark the 80th anniversary of VJ Day, commemorating the final end of the Second World War and honouring the service and sacrifice of all those who fought in the Far East.
In a poignant moment of national reflection, The King will deliver a recorded message on the morning of 15 August, the date on which Imperial Japan surrendered in 1945, bringing the six-year global conflict to a close.
Later that day, the King and Queen will attend the national Service of Remembrance at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire. The event, organised by the Royal British Legion in partnership with the government, will bring together veterans, families, and members of the public. Following the service, Their Majesties will meet veterans of the conflict at a special reception.
In the days leading up to VJ Day, the Duchess of Edinburgh will visit Second World War veteran Jim Wren, who was serving aboard HMS Repulse when he was captured by Japanese forces and held as a prisoner of war in Sumatra until liberation.
On VJ Day itself, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh will attend a commemorative service at the Scottish National War Memorial, within the walls of Edinburgh Castle. The ceremony is being held by Royal British Legion Scotland and will honour the many Scots who served in the Far East campaign.
Meanwhile, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester will represent the Royal Family at two key services in the east of England. The couple will first attend the Far East Prisoners of War 80th Anniversary Service at Norwich Cathedral, before travelling to Suffolk for a second memorial dedicated to the children and families of Far East prisoners of war.
The commemorations will conclude later in the year with a reception for veterans at Windsor Castle, hosted by members of the Royal Family in honour of those who served.
VJ Day – Victory over Japan Day – was first celebrated on 15 August 1945 following the announcement of Japan’s surrender, which came after the dropping of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. While VE Day had marked the end of war in Europe three months earlier, many thousands of British and Commonwealth troops were still engaged in bitter fighting in Asia.
This year’s 80th anniversary events aim not only to remember the military victory but also to acknowledge the suffering of those held as prisoners of war and the enduring impact of the conflict on families and communities across the UK and beyond.
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