King Charles III has recorded an audio message to mark the 80th anniversary of V.J. Day today.
The message was recorded earlier this month in the Morning Room at Clarence House.
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.”
King Charles and Queen Camilla will attend a service of remembrance at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire to commemorate the anniversary later today. The service will include a military flypast featuring the Red Arrows as well as the historic Dakota, Hurricane and Spitfire aircraft.
Listen to the full message below.
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