Viewers have praised a 10-year-old relative of Sir Winston Churchill for a “very confident” reading at a service marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day. Alexander Churchill, the great-great-grandson of the wartime Prime Minister, lit the candle of peace at a commemoration of 80 years since Victory in Europe at Westminster Abbey on Thursday. Dressed in a suit and tie, the youngster also read a prayer for “peace in Europe and across the world” and for the “sacrifice of those who have gone before us to be honoured in the defence of liberty, justice and peace”.
Those sat at home watching a live broadcast of the service were quick to praise the 10-year-old for his performance, with one X user saying he had “inherited his family’s flair for oration and diction”. Author Tony Riches also said Alexander had made a “very confident” impression, while another viewer admitted the speech had “brought tears to my eyes”.
An excerpt from Winston Churchill’s 1945 victory speech in which he declared the war in Europe was over was also played in the church, concluding with the words, “long live the cause of freedom”.
The congregation joined in a nationwide two-minute silence at midday to mark 80 years since VE Day, when peace was declared after nearly six years of fighting against Hitler’s Nazi regime.
Among the guests in Westminster Abbey were the King and Queen, the Prince and Princess of Wales, and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
10-year-old Alexander stole the show for TV viewers, however, with social media commentators describing him as “an adorable and lovely young man” and “an absolute scene stealer”.
“Really wonderful service of thanksgiving for VE Day 80,” a user called Melanie said. “Lovely to see Alexander Churchill, such a sweet little boy.”
Clarissa Reilley added: “First time I’ve come close to blubbing. An extraordinary link down the generations to the essence of the great man visible in one small boy. A master stroke to include in him, making his great-grandfather proud.”
“How wonderful to see Alexander Churchill light the candle at Westminster Abbey,” another viewer said. “What a family legacy.”