**King Charles to Broadcast National Address Marking 80th Anniversary of VJ Day**
Buckingham Palace has revealed that King Charles III will deliver a pre-recorded address to the nation next week, commemorating the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan (VJ) Day. The message, which has been recorded in advance, will be aired on 15 August 2025, precisely eight decades since Japan formally surrendered, bringing the Second World War to a close.
The historic audio address will serve as the focal point of national remembrance, paying tribute to those who served and sacrificed in the conflict’s Asia-Pacific theatre. The timing of the message’s release precedes a major commemorative service held at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, which the King and Queen Camilla are expected to attend alongside other dignitaries, including Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and a cohort of Second World War veterans.
The commemorative service itself will be broadcast live by the BBC, ensuring people across the United Kingdom can participate in honouring servicemen and women. The event will see floral tributes laid by senior royals, as well as serving as an opportunity to acknowledge a multitude of groups, not only those who fought in direct combat roles but also recipients of the prestigious Burma Star, British Indian Army veterans, former prisoners of war, and individuals involved in pivotal campaigns such as Kohima and Imphal in India.
Both the Government and the Royal British Legion have worked collaboratively to organise the remembrance. The national ceremony aims to ensure that the heroism and endurance displayed by British and Commonwealth forces in the final stages of the war are neither forgotten nor overlooked. A poignant two-minute silence will be observed nationwide, culminating in an impressive aerial display by the Red Arrows, and followed by a flypast from the iconic Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.
Following the formal proceedings, the King and Queen will attend a private reception with veterans, underscoring the Royal Family’s long-standing commitment to maintaining strong ties to those who served in World War II.
However, commemorations will not be limited to Staffordshire. In a demonstration of royal engagement across the country, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh are set to represent the monarchy at a parallel VJ Day service at the Scottish National War Memorial, located within Edinburgh Castle. This event, coordinated by the Royal British Legion Scotland, will offer Scots the opportunity to reflect on the war’s global impact and the poignant sacrifices made.
Meanwhile, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester plan to mark the occasion in East Anglia, attending the Far East Prisoners of War VJ Day 80th Anniversary service at Norwich Cathedral. Their itinerary continues with a move to Suffolk for a specialised memorial service recognising the families and descendants of those imprisoned in the Far East during the conflict.
Commemorative activities will extend over several days leading up to and following the national anniversary. Notably, before the VJ Day events, Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, is expected to meet Second World War veteran Jim Wren. Wren’s unique story – as a sailor on HMS Repulse who endured captivity on the Indonesian island of Sumatra until the war’s closing days – highlights the diverse experiences of British forces during the Asia-Pacific campaign.
Finally, plans are in place to wrap up the anniversary period with a special reception for veterans at Windsor Castle in the autumn, offering a further opportunity to share memories and pay respects in a more intimate setting.
This forthcoming broadcast and the associated national events underscore the continued resonance of Victory over Japan Day in British historical consciousness. By providing opportunities for reflection and remembrance, these commemorations ensure that the stories of those who endured hardship and contributed to the war’s end remain at the forefront of national awareness. The King’s address is expected to echo this sentiment, promoting unity and reflection as Britain marks this significant milestone in world history.