The 80th anniversary of VE Day was marked by powerful tributes and heartfelt moments, but one especially endearing scene stood out—a tender exchange between the Princess of Wales and a 107-year-old war veteran that touched hearts across the nation.
During the VE Day: A Celebration To Remember concert, Princess Kate was photographed receiving a gentle kiss on the cheek from Harry Richardson, a Second World War veteran who has lived through more than a century of history. Gracious as ever, the Princess responded with a warm smile before taking her seat beside Prince William.
Mr. Richardson, a former bomber pilot from the Second World War, was seated near King Charles and was one of six distinguished veterans honored in the royal box for their extraordinary service.
For the evening event, the Princess looked radiant in a chic white bouclé jacket and matching Self-Portrait dress, paired with a classic five-strand pearl necklace. Her hair was styled half-up, half-down, adorned with a black velvet bow.
The concert featured performances from an array of stars including Freya Ridings, Fleur East, actor Brian Cox, and Strictly Come Dancing professionals Amy Dowden, Carlos Gu, and Kai Widdrington, along with rock band The Darkness.
Earlier in the day, the UK observed a national two-minute silence and held thanksgiving services across the country to honor the fallen and commemorate the sacrifices of the wartime generation.
Addressing the audience at the concert, King Charles reflected on his grandfather King George VI’s iconic message at the end of the war.
“It is now 80 years since my grandfather announced to the nation and the Commonwealth that ‘the dreadful shadow of war has passed from our hearths and our homes.’ The liberation of Europe was secured,” he said.
“His words echo through the decades as we gather this week—and especially today—to celebrate and remember with unwavering and heartfelt gratitude the service and sacrifice of those who made that hard-fought victory possible. While our greatest debt is owed to those who gave their lives, we must never forget how the war transformed the lives of so many.”
