Even while enjoying a private summer holiday with their three children, Prince William and Kate Middleton took the time to honor one of the most poignant anniversaries in modern history.
On Friday, August 15, the Prince and Princess of Wales released a deeply moving message to mark 80 years since Victory over Japan Day — the day World War II officially ended in the Pacific.
“Today we remember the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of all who served,” their message read, highlighting the bravery of British and Commonwealth troops who fought in the Asia-Pacific. The couple signed their statement with the solemn reminder: “Lest we forget.
The Wales family has been spending the summer break together with Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7. But despite stepping away from the spotlight, William and Kate made it clear that commemorating VJ Day was too important to let pass without reflection.
VJ Day, which came after Japan’s surrender on August 15, 1945, marked the final chapter of the Second World War. The surrender followed the devastating atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki just days earlier — events that remain etched into world history.
By breaking their holiday silence, William and Kate not only paid tribute to the soldiers of that generation but also reminded the nation that remembrance remains a central part of their royal duty
While William and Kate spoke through social media, King Charles and Queen Camilla led the official national commemoration at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.
In his speech, the 76-year-old King spoke about the dwindling number of World War II veterans still alive and the immense debt owed to them. He said their courage and friendship in such dark times will never be forgotten.
Charles also remembered his grandfather, King George VI, who spoke to the nation on the first VJ Day in 1945. His words were short but powerful: “The war is over.” For millions, those four words brought both relief and sadness.
The King then turned his thoughts to those who suffered under the atomic bombings in Japan, acknowledging the immense human cost. “It is a price we must pray humanity never has to pay again,” he said solemnly.
Despite the sadness that comes with remembering such devastating events, Charles emphasized the importance of celebrating the victory of freedom and the values that emerged from the sacrifices made in its pursuit.
The King said that the heroes of VJ Day gave the nation more than freedom — they showed how it must always be defended.
Princess Kate and Prince William placed flowers as they departed the official VE Day Thanksgiving Service.
He ended his speech with the well-known words from the Kohima memorial, written on the graves of fallen soldiers:
“When you go home, tell them of us and say, for your tomorrow, we gave our today.”.
The combined messages from the King, Queen Camilla, Prince William, and Princess Kate made it clear that the royal family views VJ Day not simply as history, but as a living lesson for future generations.
