Britain's King Charles and other senior royals joined veterans and crowds to watch a grand military parade and flypast at the start of four days of commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, APA reports citing Reuters.
The government has planned a series of events in the run-up to the anniversary of Nazi Germany's unconditional surrender that took effect on May 8, 1945. It is observed around that date in many countries, including France, the United States and Russia.
"It's a victory of the Great British nation as a whole. We were the first, in this ancient island, to draw the sword against tyranny."
More than 1,300 members of Britain's armed forces marched through central London from outside parliament to Buckingham Palace, watched by the king, who offered a salute as they passed, alongside Queen Camilla, Prince William and his wife Kate, Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and veterans of the conflict.
Addressing the British veterans in an open letter, Starmer said: "I want you to know: the whole nation is inspired by the selfless dedication of your example."
"This week, the country will show you just how thankful we all are. Because we know, that without your service, the freedom, peace and joy that these celebrations embody, would not be possible," he said in the letter published by the government.
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