The Princess of Wales, Kate, made a touching gesture at the conclusion of a special service at Westminster Abbey commemorating the 80th anniversary of VE Day. Alongside her husband, Prince William, they joined the Royal Family, including the King and Queen, in a thanksgiving service honouring those who sacrificed to bring peace to Europe eight decades ago.
A national two-minute silence was observed before the modest ceremony, with veterans of the conflict who contributed to the defeat of fascism on the continent among the attendees. The war spanned nearly six years.
Following the ceremony, all the royals, including Kate, spent time interacting with veterans and their families as they exited the Abbey.
Dressed in an Alexandra Rich ensemble and wearing earrings that once belonged to Princess Diana, the princess knelt down to converse with a veteran seated in her wheelchair, holding her hand throughout. Prince William was seen warmly placing his hand on a veteran’s shoulder as he engaged in conversation with the former serviceman who stood to chat with the prince and Kate.
In keeping with tradition, a young girl presented Kate with a vibrant posy as she exited the building. However, in a poignant tribute, she left the flowers at the large circular slate Innocent Victims’ Memorial outside the abbey upon departure, mirroring the Queen’s actions, reports the Mirror.
The flowers were gathered yesterday from within the confines of Windsor Castle and its surrounding estate. The selection included rosemary symbolising remembrance, oak representing endurance, and bluebells, traditionally associated with gratitude.
This gesture by Kate comes as it has been announced that both she and William will now accompany Charles and Camilla to Horse Guards Parade for a special concert this evening. The VE Day celebration, hosted by Zoe Ball, will showcase performances by The Darkness, Toploader, and classical singer Sir Willard White.
Other performers set to grace the stage include Samantha Barks, Fleur East, John Newman, Calum Scott, among others, while the professionals from Strictly Come Dancing will also be performing.
Actor Timothy Spall initiated VE Day commemorations in London on Monday by reading excerpts from then Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill’s victory speech to the nation on May 8 1945. Monday also witnessed a military procession and flypast in central London, along with a street party at Downing Street.
Pubs and bars have received approval to extend their opening hours in honour of the anniversary. Establishments in England and Wales that usually close at 11pm tonight will be permitted to serve for an additional two hours in celebration.
Churches and cathedrals nationwide will ring their bells in unison as an act of thanksgiving at 6.30pm, mirroring the sounds that resonated across the country in 1945, according to the Church of England.