King Charles and Queen Camilla mark VJ Day

King Charles and Queen Camilla have marked the 80th anniversary of VJ Day.

VJ Day stands for Victory over Japan Day and marks the end of the Second World War and the surrender of Japan.

The King and Queen were joined by veterans, politicians and military personnel at a service in Staffordshire. King Charles laid a wreath, while Queen Camilla laid a posy before a national two-minute silence was held.

The service was concluded with a flypast by the Red Arrows of the Royal Air Force.

After the service, the King and Queen mingled with some members of the audience before heading to a reception for VJ veterans and their families organised by the Royal British Legion.

Earlier today, Buckingham Palace released an audio message from King Charles. He said, “For the millions of families gathered around their wireless sets, and for their loved ones still serving far from home, it was the message a battle-weary world had long prayed for. ‘The war is over’, declared my grandfather, King George VI, in his address to the nation and Commonwealth on V.J. Day eighty years ago today – four short words after six long years of bloodshed, fear and suffering.

“Seldom can a simple message have resonated with such a potent mix of relief, celebration, and sorrow for those who never lived to see the glow of freedom’s new dawn. On this day of profound remembrance, I speak to you in that same spirit of commemoration and celebration as we honour anew all those whose service and sacrifice saw the forces of liberty prevail.”