VE Day RECAP: BBC viewers spot emotional King Charles moment before historic speech

The VE Day concert has officially come to an end as the King and Queen were seen leaving the gig after Samantha Barks closed the show with her performance of 'We'll Meet Again'.

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Germany has expressed its thanks to the Allied soldiers who defeated the Nazis as the nation marked the end of the Second World War.

The countrys president, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, told parliament: It was Germans who unleashed this criminal war and dragged all of Europe with them into the abyss.

Today, 80 years later, our profound thanks still go to the Allied soldiers and the European resistance movements who mustered all their strength and endured great losses in order to defeat the Nazi regime."

Viewers praised a special reboot of wartime classic sitcom Dad's Army, which was brought back for tonights special occasion.

The one-off included a star-studded cast of Kevin Eldon, Iain Glen, Nigel Havers, Sir Derek Jacobi, Larry Lamb, Alex Macqueen and Daniel Mays."

The performance was met with delight, with X users sharing their praise on the social media platform. One user wrote: "This Dads Army segment is amazing. If you close your eyes you would think it was the original cast.

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(Image: Getty Images)

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The VE Day concert has been brought to an end by two incredible performances of Dame Vera Lynn classics.

First The White Cliffs of Dover was performed by Calum Scott, followed by a haunting rendition of We'll Meet Again by Samanths Banks which as met by vigorous flag waving by the crowd.

A touching moment amid the singing and incredible performances as 107-year-old veteran Harry Richardson's letters frome from the Front to his partner was read out.

As a backdrop to the words, Freya Ridings' Lost Without You was hauntingly played, leaving many in tears.

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(Image: POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Viewers have flocked to social media to share their reactions to the concert being aired on BBC One. One viewer posted on X: "Every school should show their pupils the BBC VE Day show on BBC now... amazing what people gave up for us!!! Show at every school assembly tomorrow".

Another added: "I don't know about anyone else but I find myself getting really emotional watching tonight's VE Day concert on BBC One I'm a blubbering mess".

As BBC viewers waited for the dazzling concert to get underway, they spotted an emotional moment between King Charles and a veteran. The King, joined by Queen Camilla, sat next to a 107-year-old veteran in the royal box as the concert began.

That veteran was WWII bomber pilot Harry Richardson, who wasted no time in chatting to His Royal Highness before the acts started. The sweet moment was quickly spotted by viewers at home, with one sharing their reaction saying: "I'm the furthest from a royalist/monarchist, but it fills my heart with such joy seeing a 107 year old veteran centre stage at these VE Day celebrations next to the King, I know how much it would mean to these war heroes! #VEDay."

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King Charles is set to give a speech to the VE Day concert.

The timing of the speech, at 9pm, echoes King George VIs address to the nation on VE Day eighty years ago.

Dozens of people have reacted with incredulity at the Darkness performing at tonight's VE Day Concert.

The band, made up of Justin Hawkins, Dan Hawkins, Frankie Poullain and Rufus Tiger Taylor performed I Believe in a Thing Called Love in front of the Royals and watching veterans.

Their appearance was not well received by many on X. One person said: "Im all for interesting and quirky musical links.. but The Darkness on VE Day? Why?"

Another said: "The age demographic for the VE Celebrations doesnt scream The Darkness fans."

However, another enjoyed the show, saying: "The Darkness reminding us that I Believe in a Thing Called Love is an absolute banger."

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(Image: AP)

Host Zoe Ball has told the thousands attending tonight's concert - and those watching at home - VE Day is a chance to reflect.

She said: "It is a chance to reflect on the resiliance and courage of a generation."

The King and Queen have arrived to a sea of waving Union Jack flags as crowds cheered their arrival. His Majesty wears a lounge suit with medals and neck order while Her Majesty wears a navy blue and white jumpsuit by Anna Valentine with a long navy blue embroidered coat. Her Majesty is also wearing a Britannia brooch, featuring the union flag, which belonged to Queen Elizabeth II.

Actor David Bradley said all will be well as long as he does not catch the King and Queen yawning during his performance at the VE day concert. Bradley, who played Argus Filch in the Harry Potter films, will take to the stage with other famous faces to perform a sketch from British comedy Dads Army.

On Charles and Camilla watching them later on Thursday, Bradley, who will play Private Godfrey, said: As long as I dont catch them yawning it will be all right. Hot Fuzz actor Kevin Eldon, who will play Lance Corporal Jones, joked: Or leaving.

Eldon added: Im nervous to the point that if it doesnt go well its not far from the Tower. We can see the thumbs from here up or down.

Seize them, Derry Girls star Dylan Llewellyn, playing Private Pike, quipped. The Thick Of It actor Alex Macqueen, who will be voicing a BBC producer for the sketch, joked: Were like medieval court jesters from that era.

A concert has begun at Horse Guards Parade with performances from the likes of Samantha Barks and Fleur East, which will bring this weeks VE Day celebrations to an end.

VE Day 80: A Celebration to Remember can be watched on this very blog and will be attended by the King and Queen, as well as veterans.

Actors involved in a Dads Army performance at the VE Day concert said the sketch is a perfect fit for tonight and amazing to be a part of. Chariots Of Fire star Nigel Havers, who will play Sergeant Wilson, said: Dads Army is on pretty much every day, every night of the year on some channel so to be part of that is amazing.

Game Of Thrones actor Iain Glen, who will play Private Frazer, said: I was very, very happy to read the sketch and see what we were up to, and its a perfect fit for tonight. Its the group doing a recording just before the King was about to make his speech.

And Peep Show actor Paterson Joseph, playing a BBC engineer, said: Its so entertaining and everybody does such a brilliant job, and then its not impersonations but you do feel its the spirit of the old characters.

Havers, whose 97-year-old mother remembers VE Day really well and who cant believe he is performing at the concert, said: Im just looking forward to messing it up really.

Joseph joked that he has yet to say the words in the right order, while Glen said the pleasure of doing a Dads Army sketch is it is supposed to be slightly chaotic. Glen hailed the importance of remembering VE Day, a time of the most extraordinary feeling of liberation, and said: I know its easier said than done but were trying to do a little bit of that.

Villages, towns and cities across the UK will light beacons in a couple of minutes' time, to commemorate VE Day.

Westminster Abbey's official social media account has shared the wreaths lain earlier by the King and his son, the Prince of Wales.

A special Evensong to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of VE Day is currently being held at Westminster Abbey.

The special service has included readings, music and bespoke prayers to celebrate the resilience and fortitude of the people of Londonboth in 1945 and today.

Following the service, there will be a lamp lighting ceremony and blessing on the West Steps and the Cathedral bells will be part of the national bell ringing at 6.30pm.

The King and the Prince of Wales remembered the sacrifices of those who served in the Second World War by laying wreaths at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior.

A handwritten message signed by Charles in his floral tribute said, "We will never forget," while William and Kate signed a hand-penned note left in the prince's wreath which read: "For those who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Second World War.

"We will remember them."

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King Charles III lays a wreath at the grave of the Unknown Warrior(Image: PA)

Keir Starmer used his VE Day speech to stand with Ukraine as he told of his disbelief war was again in Europe 80 years after the end of WWII.

In a speech at the London Defence Conference earlier today, the Prime Minister spoke about Ukrainian forces being trained in Wiltshire, comparing them to brave fighters who gave up their lives to defend their countries in WWII.

Describing them as men and women who are not soldiers by trade, the Prime Minister said: They are accountants, they are builders, businesspeople, you name it, who stepped up from their lives, stepped away from their families, and, as veterans did 80 years ago, answered the call to defend freedom and liberty in their homeland.

And as these brave men and women leave their training in Britain and head to the frontline of freedom, they are applauded by their British trainers.

Ive seen this a couple of times now its a really humbling sight. A sign of our support and solidarity in their struggle, pride and admiration at their courage.

Because in this country we know - this isnt just a fight for freedom and democracy in Ukraine. No it is a new, more dangerous era of history.

He added he did not think he would see Russian tanks entering a European country again in his lifetime. He said: Yet here we are and here we stand resolutely with the people of Ukraine, together with our allies, showing the strength of our values as well as the value of our strength.

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The Prime Minister speaking to a veteran t the service in Westminster Abbey today(Image: PA)

Towns around the country have marked the VE Day celebrations with local dignitaries turning out for two minute silences, with members of the public.

Among them was in Bexhill, East Sussex, where the bustling seafront came to a stop and many bowed their heads as the service was observed impecably and the flag was raised.

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The VE Day flag raised in Bexhill Pic: Antony Clements-Thrower

After the service, the King and Queen were joined by other members of the royal family as they spoke to veterans and their families in the nave.

The Princess of Wales spent time kneeling down to speak to veterans in their wheelchairs.

Kate stopped to talk to Anne Woodward-Fisher, 99, who was at the abbey with her daughter Emma Leeming, 66, and grandson Edward Leeming, 31.

Mrs Woodward-Fisher was 13 when war broke out and, together with her twin sister, was evacuated to Derbyshire. She signed up to join the forces with her sister as soon as they could at 17 and was enlisted as a driver, driving officers all over the country at night with tape over the headlights with just a slit of light shining through to light up the road ahead.

Her daughter Emma Leeming said: The princess was very lovely and gracious. She said 'I hope youve written down your wonderful story'. We said that actually we have, we did the other year, all about growing up in the war.

Dorothy Smith, 101, who served as a Wren with the Royal Navy in Portsmouth, was reunited with Princess Anne who first met her at a garden party last year.

I said she looked very nice and she said thank you, so do you.

The mother-of-five, who was at the abbey with her daughter Gillian Walklate, also spent time talking to the Prince of Wales.

Gillian said: The prince was saying his neck order kept banging on his chin and he joked thats why he had grown a beard. He was so friendly and just so easy to speak to.

The Princess of Wales shook hands and said William was always telling her she has cold hands.

Alfred Littlefield, 101, who served with the Royal Engineeers and landed in Normandy on D-Day 3, was invited to the abbey after attending the palace tea party with the King and Queen on Monday.

His daughter Shirley Powell said: Weve had a wonderful time. The King thanked him for his service.

After the King and Queen had departed, Sir Keir Starmer and Lady Starmer came to shake hands with some of the veterans. One veteran[I think this is Howard Gritton but cant see his name on any of the lists so just checking that] told her she had cold hands and suggested that she needed something stronger to warm her up.

Well go and do that now, nice to see you, the prime minister joked.

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The Princess of Wales spoke to veterans at the end of the service in Westminster Abbey(Image: PA)

A harpist for the Royal Corps of Army Music told of how her great uncles life was saved by a pigeon after the flying boat he was in ditched off the North Sea in 1943.

Sergeant Kate Sanford will be performing in front of the King and Queen and veterans at the VE Day concert on Thursday evening, calling the opportunity an absolute privilege.

The 37-year-old, from Market Harborough in Leicestershire, said it is really important to keep the stories alive of those who have passed.

She told the story of her great uncle John Peperby, a flight sergeant in the RAF, who was in a Catalina which ditched and lost all communications.

They were going to not survive because the weather was that bad, she told the PA news agency.

They had a pigeon on board and so they released the pigeon with the coordinates of where they were and that made it 70 miles through thick fog and rain back to base and they were able to release a sea vessel to go in search and save their lives.

It was nine men and my great uncle John was one of them, and that pigeon was one of the first three recipients of the Dickin medal, which was the animal VC (Victoria Cross), for its heroic efforts that day.

RAF veterans Kathleen, 101, and Roy Lawrence, 100, attened a memorial event at National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.

The wartime sweethearts, who have been married for 74 years, shared a kiss ahead of the poignant service marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day.

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RAF veterans Kathleen, 101, and Roy Lawrence, 100, shared a kiss at a VE Day memorial(Image: Andy Stenning/Daily Mirror)

For Violet Jones in Basingstoke, it has been an emotional VE Day.

The 104-year-old veteran of the Womens Auxiliary Air Force has paid tribute to her brother who was killed on the battlefields of France during the Second World War.

Outside Basingstoke civic office this morning, Violet joined other elderly members of the community to pay their respects for those killed during the Second World War, which ended 80 years ago today.

Violet was serving in the WAAF in Earls Colbert RAF base when victory in Europe was declared.

Her memories of joy at the wars ending are inseparable from sadness over the death of her brother Edwin, who was killed while fighting in France before the Nazis were finally defeated.

Moved to tears by memories of her brother, who joined the British army aged just 20-years old and is buried in Bayeux, France, Violet said: I still miss him. I hope we keep remembering him.

Violet said she was hopeful future generations would remember her brothers sacrifice, with a local school Hatch Warren attending the days commemorations with a choir of pupils to perform Somewhere Over The Rainbow.

She said: Its good to see the schools are doing a lot to keep in the mind of the minds of the younger generation.

Recalling the morning of VE Day 80 years ago, she said: I had been on night duty and I went to bed but there was so much commotion going on outside. I couldnt believe it was - it had been such a long time. I remember the mens station came and joined us and they wheeled a piano out for singing.

There was a lot of joy.

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VE Day 80th anniversary memorial held at Square Georges Square, Newcastle(Image: Andy Commins / Daily Mirror)

Geoffrey Spencer, 99, told how he feels like one of the luckiest veterans in the war after escaping with his life after a "toss of a coin".

The veteran from Sutton Coldfield served for four years in the RAF and was stationed at Bomber Command and services Lancaster bombers.

But he was lucky to escape with his life several times, once doing a crash landing in Lincolnshire in the fog and then avoided a doomed plane after a "lucky" toss of a coin.

"How lucky we were! There were two planes going to Singapore which had to stop to refill. We tossed up which aircraft to go in. The other one never got there. All from a toss of the coin."

Before thantGeoffrey told how a pilot crash landed in fog, after his team had fixed a plane and he told the pilot "We've just repaired that and you've done it in again!"

[Veteran Geoffrey Spencer at the VE Day Tea Party and VE Day celebrations at the National Arboretum, Staffs.]

Veteran Geoffrey Spencer at the VE Day Tea Party and VE Day celebrations at the National Arboretum, Staffs.(Image: Andy Stenning/Daily Mirror)

Veteran Harry Birdsall, 99, from Wakefield, says being an ambassador for The Royal British Legion helped him finally open up about the horrors he saw at Belsen concentration camp.

Harry, who served in the Royal Army Service Corps, told The Mirror today: "Going to Normandy last year brought it all back to me. The memories came back to me of when I was at Belsen.

"I never talked about my war experiences because I had a really bad time. For 70 years I didn't speak to my children, they didn't know anything about it."

You can understand why as Harry was just 19 when he had to drive a truck packed with survivors back to Poland, but some didn't make it.

"When I went to Belsen I saw things in a different light, it upset me so much. It was the worst memory of my life. I could not believe what I saw. You can see it in photographs but you wouldn't believe what the smell was like. I could not believe that humans could be so cruel to people.

"I did four trips back to Poland with people dying in the back. They were silent all the way. I remember the first glimpse of their eyes sticking out of their cheeks and bones sticking out of their uniforms. I was just 19 seeing this.

"They were six or seven stone adults. There were soup kitchens on the way and we'd stop and they would have their little tin bowls.

"You'd get a shout 'there's someone else dead here, get him out'. I think it was cruel.

But he says he's "proud" to be with the RBL to tell his story to the nation, "I say never, never forget all the courageous people who gave the ultimate sacrifice so you can be here today."

[Veteran Harry Birdsall, pictured during the D-Day anniversary last year, says he used to stay silent on the horrors he witnessed]

Veteran Harry Birdsall, pictured during the D-Day anniversary last year, says he used to stay silent on the horrors he witnessed(Image: PA)

The landlord of a pub is offering punters pints for just 7p to celebrate the historic occasion.

Stephen Breakspear, landlord of the Flying Duck pub in Ilkley, West Yorkshire, is offering 7p pints to the first 80 customers in celebration of VE Day.

Pubs across the country are offering food and drinks at 1945 prices to celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE Day.

The Bell Hotel in Winslow, Bucks, is expecting to sell 150 servings of crispy battered cod, chunky homestyle chips and mushy peas for the just 8p.

The price is the equivalent of one and a tanner (one and sixpence) in today's money. Phil Gomm, 63, said the pub was 'well packed' today (May 8) ahead of its lunchtime kick off.

[Stephen Breakspear and the 7p pint]

Stephen Breakspear and the 7p pint(Image: Tom Maddick / SWNS)