VE Day holds deep significance for the royal family—particularly for the monarch—but it also serves as a meaningful opportunity for Prince William and Princess Kate to pass on its importance to their three children.
While Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis have attended other major royal events featuring a Buckingham Palace flypast, such as Trooping the Colour, this was their first time participating in a milestone anniversary for Victory in Europe Day.
During the 70th anniversary in 2015, the children were too young to take part in the commemorations alongside their parents and the late Queen Elizabeth II. Five years later, in 2020, the 75th anniversary was marked virtually due to pandemic lockdown restrictions.
This year’s commemorations gave the Wales children the chance to witness history up close. Before settling into their seats beside veterans, George, Charlotte, and Louis were seen warmly greeting those around them.
One particularly charming moment captured young Prince Louis tapping his father repeatedly to get his attention—before sweetly brushing dust off William’s uniform, a gesture that brought smiles all around.
Later, Prince William and Louis were seen bonding as they watched the military parade. William pointed out a proud drummer to his son, prompting Louis to beam and call the moment “cool,” according to lip-reader Jeremy Freeman.
After the impressive flypast over Buckingham Palace, King Charles and Queen Camilla hosted a garden tea party for veterans, members of the Women’s Royal Naval Service (Wrens), and representatives of the Second World War generation. While George was seen speaking with veterans alongside his parents, Charlotte and Louis did not attend the reception.
VE Day commemorates the moment in 1945 when Britain and its Allies formally accepted Nazi Germany’s unconditional surrender, bringing an end to the war in Europe. The day remains a solemn yet celebratory occasion in the royal calendar—one that the next generation is now beginning to experience firsthand.
