VE Day live: UK and Europe hold ceremonies to mark 80 years since end of second world war in Europe
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UK: Royals Join National Commemoration of 80th VE Day Anniversary
Above: Prince William, Prince of Wales, Catherine, Princess of Wales, King Charles III, and Queen Camilla attend a Service of Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey in London on the 80th anniversary of VE Day on May 8, 2025 in London, England. Image copyright: Jordan Pettitt/WPA Pool/Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
The 80th anniversary of VE Day represents a crucial moment to honor the Greatest Generation's sacrifice and ensure their stories continue inspiring future generations. With dwindling numbers of WWII veterans able to attend such commemorations, these ceremonies serve as vital bridges between past and present, helping younger people — many of whom have grown up in relative peace and comfort — understand the true cost and value of peace.
Narrative B
The ongoing war in Ukraine shows that the values fought for during WWII — democracy, unity, and peace — are not relics of the past but urgent, living principles under threat. As Starmer and the Archbishop of York noted, the "good" built after VE Day is not guaranteed. This anniversary is not just remembrance; it's a call to remain vigilant in defending peace and the ideals born from that hard-won victory.