King Charles III and Queen Camilla joined Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and hundreds of veterans, families, and military personnel at the National Memorial Arboretum on Friday to mark the 80th anniversary of VJ Day (Victory over Japan Day). The solemn service honored those who fought in the Asia-Pacific campaigns during the Second World War and paid tribute to the sacrifices made for peace.
National Service of Remembrance at the Arboretum
The event, held at the Armed Forces Memorial in Staffordshire, featured a two-minute silence led by the King, who laid a wreath in honor of the fallen. Queen Camilla followed by placing a posy of flowers at the memorial, symbolizing gratitude to the servicemen and women who fought in the Far East.
The service included hymns, prayers, and readings from veterans and family members. Attendees included centenarian veterans, many of whom had served in Burma, Singapore, and other theaters of war in Asia. Serving military personnel also stood alongside the veterans in a powerful display of intergenerational remembrance.
Earlier in the week, King Charles delivered a broadcast message reflecting on the courage of those who fought in the Second World War. He praised them for leaving “not only freedom but also the example of how it must be protected.”
Veteran’s Off-Script Tribute
One of the most memorable moments of the commemoration came when Captain Yavar Abbas, a 105-year-old veteran of the 11th Sikh Regiment of the British Indian Army, was invited to read from his wartime diaries.
Before beginning his prepared excerpt, Captain Abbas paused to salute King Charles, acknowledging the monarch’s attendance despite undergoing treatment for cancer. He also shared that he himself was a long-term cancer survivor, expressing solidarity and admiration for the King.
The tribute received warm applause from the audience and was widely described as one of the most poignant moments of the ceremony.
Queen Camilla’s Emotional Reaction
Observers noted that Queen Camilla appeared visibly moved during Captain Abbas’s words, raising her clasped hands to her face as she blinked away tears. Her emotional response reflected the deeply personal nature of the veteran’s gesture, which resonated with both attendees and viewers watching from home.
Photographs captured the Queen Consort’s reaction, which has since been widely shared in media coverage and on social media platforms.
Public Response
Viewers following the broadcast on television and online expressed admiration for Captain Abbas’s heartfelt tribute. Messages on social media praised his dignity, courage, and the sincerity of his words.
One user wrote: “An incredible moment at the VJ Day commemoration — a veteran speaking from the heart and receiving applause for honoring the King.” Another added: “That was history in the making. What a remarkable man.”
The exchange between the centenarian veteran and the King was described by many as a symbolic reminder of resilience, shared sacrifice, and unity across generations.
King Charles and Queen Camilla’s Role
The King and Queen have both been actively involved in events marking the 80th anniversary of D-Day earlier this year and the VJ Day commemorations. Their presence underscores the monarchy’s role in preserving the legacy of the Second World War and ensuring that younger generations understand the cost of peace.
Queen Camilla, as Patron of the Royal Commonwealth Ex-Services League, has long supported veterans’ causes. King Charles, similarly, has continued the late Queen Elizabeth II’s tradition of honoring armed forces personnel and veterans at key national anniversaries.
The Historical Significance of VJ Day
VJ Day, observed on 15 August, marks the day in 1945 when Japan announced its surrender, bringing the Second World War to an end. For veterans of the Asia-Pacific campaigns — often referred to as the “Forgotten Army” due to the focus on the European front — the day represents a crucial moment of recognition.
The UK government, alongside veterans’ organizations, continues to hold national services to ensure their sacrifices are not overlooked. According to the Royal British Legion, more than 5 million servicemen and women from across the Commonwealth served in the Far East campaigns.
Honoring the “Forgotten Army”
Friday’s service emphasized the importance of remembering those who served in Burma, Malaya, Singapore, and other regions. Veterans spoke about the hardships faced, including extreme climate conditions, disease, and long campaigns far from home.
The contribution of Commonwealth forces — particularly from India, Africa, and the Caribbean — was also highlighted, reinforcing the global scale of the conflict and the shared sacrifice across nations.
Looking Ahead
The 80th anniversary of VJ Day represents one of the last major commemorations likely to be attended by surviving veterans from the conflict, many of whom are now over 100 years old. Organizations such as the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and the Royal British Legion have pledged to continue educational programs and remembrance events to ensure the legacy endures.
King Charles and Queen Camilla are expected to remain central to these efforts, carrying forward the royal tradition of honoring military service and remembrance.
Conclusion
The VJ Day service at the National Memorial Arboretum was marked by solemnity, remembrance, and unexpected emotion. Captain Yavar Abbas’s off-script tribute not only honored King Charles but also provided a deeply human moment that touched Queen Camilla and resonated with audiences across the UK.
As the nation reflects on the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, the event served as a reminder of the enduring values of courage, resilience, and gratitude. It also highlighted the importance of preserving the memories of those who served, ensuring that future generations continue to understand the sacrifices made for peace.
Sources:
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BBC News – VJ Day Coverage
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Royal British Legion – VJ Day
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UK Government – National Memorial Arboretum
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Commonwealth War Graves Commission
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London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine – Heat and Health Research
