Planes fly in formation over Buckingham Palace in London, Britain, on May 5, 2025. Britain held military processions and a Royal Air Force flypast on Monday to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day. (Xinhua/Li Ying)
LONDON, May 5 (Xinhua) -- Britain held military processions and a Royal Air Force flypast on Monday to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day.
The flypast followed a military parade of around 1,300 personnel marching from Parliament Square to Buckingham Palace, including representatives from NATO and Ukrainian soldiers. The royal family and dignitaries observed the procession in front of the Queen Victoria Memorial.
After the procession, King Charles III and Queen Camilla appeared on the Buckingham Palace balcony alongside the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children to observe the flypast.
The 80th anniversary of VE Day is considered a significant milestone, potentially the last major commemoration attended by living World War II veterans. The events underscored the country's commitment to honoring the sacrifices made during the war and preserving the memories of those who served.
Multiple commemorations will continue throughout the week. ■
A military procession is held in London, Britain, on May 5, 2025. Britain held military processions and a Royal Air Force flypast on Monday to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day. (Xinhua/Li Ying)
People watch the military procession held in London, Britain, on May 5, 2025. Britain held military processions and a Royal Air Force flypast on Monday to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day. (Xinhua/Wu Lu)
People watch the military procession held in London, Britain, on May 5, 2025. Britain held military processions and a Royal Air Force flypast on Monday to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day. (Xinhua/Li Ying)
Britain's King Charles III (2nd R, front) attends the military procession held in London, Britain, on May 5, 2025. Britain held military processions and a Royal Air Force flypast on Monday to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day. (Xinhua/Li Ying)
People prepare to leave after watching the military procession held in London, Britain, on May 5, 2025. Britain held military processions and a Royal Air Force flypast on Monday to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day. (Xinhua/Li Ying)
Bagpipers participate in the military procession held in London, Britain, on May 5, 2025. Britain held military processions and a Royal Air Force flypast on Monday to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day. (Xinhua/Wu Lu)
Members of the armed forces for the military procession pass Buckingham Palace in London, Britain, on May 5, 2025. Britain held military processions and a Royal Air Force flypast on Monday to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day. (Xinhua/Li Ying)
Britain's King Charles III and Queen Camilla wave on the balcony of Buckingham Palace in London, Britain on May 5, 2025. Britain held military processions and a Royal Air Force flypast on Monday to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day. (Xinhua/Li Ying)
Members of the armed forces participate in the military procession held in London, Britain, on May 5, 2025. Britain held military processions and a Royal Air Force flypast on Monday to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day. (Xinhua/Wu Lu)
Planes fly in formation in London, Britain, on May 5, 2025. Britain held military processions and a Royal Air Force flypast on Monday to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day. (Xinhua/Li Ying)
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer (4th L, front) talks with a veteran during the military procession held in London, Britain, on May 5, 2025. Britain held military processions and a Royal Air Force flypast on Monday to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day. (Xinhua/Li Ying)
A military procession is held in London, Britain, on May 5, 2025. Britain held military processions and a Royal Air Force flypast on Monday to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day. (Xinhua/Wu Lu)
