King Charles is expected to vow the service and sacrifice of Second World War heroes who fought and died in the Pacific and Far East will never be forgotten today – the 80th anniversary of VJ Day.
In a six-minute audio address, recorded earlier this week at Clarence House, the monarch is understood to reflect on the horrors experienced by prisoners of war and innocent civilians of occupied lands in the region “whose suffering reminds us that war’s true cost extends beyond battlefields, touching every aspect of life”.
VJ Day marks the anniversary of Japan’s surrender to the Allies following the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, effectively ending the Second World War.
Keir Starmer will join King Charles and Camilla, Queen Consort for a service of remembrance at the National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas, Staffordshire, later today.
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King Charles to address the nation shortly
The King has paid tribute to those who fought and died in the Pacific and Far East for the 80th anniversary of VJ Day, saying their service and sacrifice “shall never be forgotten”.
In an echo of the historic address delivered by his grandfather, King George VI, announcing the end of the Second World War on August 15, 1945, the monarch has recorded a special message to the Nation, Realms and Commonwealth to mark the occasion.
During the six minute audio broadcast, Charles will reference the experience endured by Prisoners of War, and to the innocent civilians of occupied lands in the region, whose suffering “reminds us that war’s true cost extends beyond battlefields, touching every aspect of life”.
VJ Day: King Charles will address the nation this morning at 7.30am
PA)