Last week, King Charles and Queen Camilla were at a ceremony at Westminster Abbey in London to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day – but a skilled lip reader noted one tense exchange
During the 80th anniversary commemoration of VE Day at Westminster Abbey, King Charles momentarily showed frustration.
On May 8, His Majesty and Queen Camilla were present at a significant ceremony in London, joining 78 veterans among a throng of 2,000 attendees. Jeremy Freeman, a lip-reading expert, noticed an urgent instruction from Charles. While greeting veterans, he appeared to mutter to Camilla: “Unbelievable, where are my introductions?”
Confused, he glanced around until an aide hurried to assist as Charles, adorned with military decorations, commanded: “Where, where are you?” Soon after, assistance arrived as he continued to greet the line-up of veterans.
The event also saw Kate Middleton and Prince William in attendance along with Prime Minister Keir Starmer. King Charles paid his respects by laying a wreath at the black marble Grave of the Unknown Warrior, honouring the lives lost in World War II. His tribute read: “We will never forget.”
William meanwhile penned: “For those who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Second World War. We will remember them.” To commence the service, a two-minute silence was held across England, reflecting on the unconditioned surrender of Nazi Germany.
After the remembrance service, Royal Family members expressed their respect for Britain’s war veterans. Charles was observed engaging with several veterans.
One poignant interaction involved Kate taking time to comfort a medal-adorned wheelchair-bound woman, while Charles, seemingly ruffled at one stage, still made a point to tell the veterans, “good to meet you”.
The London ceremony saw the attendance of key figures like Princess Anne, Prince Edward, Sophie, Sir Tim Laurence, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, and the Duke of Kent.
When arriving to the fanfare of trumpets, Charles donned a lounge suit as Camilla stood out in her white crepe silk dress and coat. Young Alexander Churchill, the great-great-grandson of Sir Winston Churchill, delivered a standout speech during the event.
On the significance of his ancestor, ahead of the event, he commented: “My great-great-grandfather’s very important to us and we’re just very proud to know that he is part of our family.
“I think it’s very important for our generation, my generation, to say thank you to all the veterans and everyone who took part in the war. I think people can learn that they should never forget all of the people who have sacrificed and helped us restore freedom to England and Europe.
“I think it’s very important that they should carry on fighting for freedom.”
