The Prince and Princess of Wales attended the VE Day service at Westminster Abbey today with the King and Queen, where Kate offered a heartfelt tribute to those who lost their lives in the Second World War as she left the ceremony.
The Princess of Wales made a moving gesture at the end of a special service at Westminster Abbey commemorating the 80th anniversary of VE Day.
She and her husband, Prince William, joined the royal family – including the King and Queen – for the service of thanksgiving, held in honour of those who sacrificed to bring peace to Europe eight decades ago.
A national two-minute silence was held before the simple ceremony, which was attended by veterans who played a role in defeating fascism on the continent during a war that lasted almost six years.
Following the service, all members of the royal family, including Kate, spent time speaking with veterans and their families as they exited the Abbey, the Mirror reports.
Kate, who wore an Alexandra Rich dress and earrings that belonged to her late mother-in-law Princess Diana, knelt down to meet one woman, holding her hand as she spoke to the veteran, who was wearing medals and sat in her wheelchair.
While William was seen putting his hand on one veteran’s shoulder as he chatted to the former serviceman, who stood to speak to the Prince and Princess of Wales.
As per tradition, a young girl handed Kate a large colourful posy of flowers as she exited the building.
However, in a touching gesture, rather than taking the flowers she placed the bouquet on the circular slate Innocent Victim’s Memorial outside the Abbey on her departure – as did the Queen.
The flowers were gathered the day prior from within the grounds of Windsor Castle and the surrounding area. The bouquet featured rosemary for remembrance, oak symbolising endurance and bluebells, which are traditionally associated with gratitude.
This evening Kate and William both joined Charles and Camilla at Horse Guards parade for a special concert to mark VE day. The VE Day party was hosted by Zoe Ball and featured performances by The Darkness, Toploader and classical music singer Sir William White.
As well as Samantha Barks, Fleur East, John Newman, Calum Scott and the Strictly Come Dancing professionals also took to the stage for a performance.
Actor Timothy Spall opened the VE Day commemorations in London on Monday by reading extracts from then Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill’s victory speech, originally delivered to the nation on May 8, 1945.
Monday also saw a military procession and flypast in central London, as well as a street party held at Downing Street.
Members of the royal family waved to thousands of people from the Buckingham Palace balcony when the Red Arrows flypast came there way. King Charles and Queen Camilla watched alongside the Prince and Princess of Wales and their three children – Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 10, Prince Louis, 7.
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