Kate Middleton and William gather children at historic Victory Day event in London

Sunlight gleamed over London, reflecting off the golden royal carriages, as thousands gathered before Buckingham Palace. The date, May 5, 2025, marked the start of celebrations for the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, an event commemorating the end of World War II. The British royal family, led by King Charles III, appeared in full force, but it was the young heirs who stole the spotlight. The crowd buzzed with anticipation, eager for a glimpse of the monarchy in a moment of historic unity.

Princess Kate Middleton and Prince William, accompanied by their three children, were among the most talked-about figures of the day. George, Charlotte, and Louis, aged 11, 10, and 7, respectively, displayed poise and charm alongside their parents. The children’s rare appearance at official events brought a touch of lightness to the solemnity, while the military parade and Royal Air Force flypast underscored the occasion’s grandeur.

The event, extending until May 8, honors veterans and the forces that fought from 1939 to 1945. The royal family’s participation, including Queen Camilla and others, highlighted the monarchy’s enduring role as a symbol of British resilience. Below are some highlights of the celebration:

• Over 1,300 troops marched through central London, from Parliament to Buckingham Palace.
• Historic aircraft and the Red Arrows aerobatic team performed a memorable flypast.
• World War II veterans were honored at a tea reception at the palace.

The presence of the young princes and princess amplified global interest in the next generation of royalty, as the nation marked a historic milestone with patriotic fervor.

Tribute to veterans

The Victory in Europe Day celebration began with a solemn march through central London. British Armed Forces troops, including Ukrainian representatives, paraded in impeccable formation, carrying flags symbolizing unity against tyranny. King Charles III, alongside Queen Camilla, saluted the military from the Queen Victoria Memorial, a gesture echoing the leadership of his predecessors during the war. The crowd, comprising families, tourists, and veterans, cheered enthusiastically.

The event featured a recitation of Winston Churchill’s historic speech, delivered by actor Michael Spall. The former prime minister’s words, originally spoken in 1945, resonated powerfully: victory belonged not to a class or party but to the nation as a whole. The participation of Ukrainian soldiers, with their blue and yellow flags, added a contemporary tone, signaling the UK’s support for Ukraine in its ongoing conflict.

For many attendees, the tribute to veterans was the heart of the celebration. Men and women who served in World War II, now in advanced age, received special honors, including an invitation to tea at Buckingham Palace. The royal family, including Kate Middleton and William, engaged with these heroes, listening to stories of courage and sacrifice that shaped British history.

Striking presence of the heirs

George, Charlotte, and Louis, children of Kate Middleton and Prince William, stole the show with their appearance on the Buckingham Palace balcony. Dressed elegantly, the young heirs waved to the crowd, blending formality with spontaneity. Louis, the youngest, was particularly noticed for his animated gestures, while Charlotte displayed serenity beside her mother. George, second in line to the throne, maintained a composed demeanor, reflecting his growing familiarity with royal duties.

The children’s presence was unannounced, surprising both the press and the public. Their last joint appearance at an official event was the Christmas service at Sandringham in December 2024. The decision to include them in Victory Day suggests an effort by the Prince and Princess of Wales to introduce the next generation of royalty at moments of national significance.

Key moments of the young heirs’ participation included:

• George accompanying his father, William, in a brief interaction with troops before the parade.
• Charlotte adjusting her hat, a gesture that drew smiles from spectators.
• Louis pointing excitedly at the aircraft during the flypast, capturing camera attention.
• The trio posing for official photos on the balcony alongside their grandparents, Charles and Camilla.

Their appearance reinforced the image of a united royal family, with the young princes and princess being groomed for future roles in the monarchy.

Historical significance of the event

Victory in Europe Day, celebrated annually, marks King George VI’s announcement on May 8, 1945, that World War II had ended on the continent. The date is a national holiday in the UK, filled with ceremonies honoring the sacrifices of millions of soldiers and civilians. In 2025, the 80th anniversary brought added significance, with events planned over four days in London and other British cities.

The military parade, held at the Queen Victoria Memorial, featured over 1,400 soldiers, 200 horses, and 400 musicians marching in perfect harmony. The Royal Air Force, with historic aircraft like the Spitfire and Hurricane, performed a flypast that moved the crowd. The Red Arrows aerobatic team concluded the display with red, white, and blue trails in the sky, symbolizing the British flag.

The ceremony also highlighted the UK’s resilience during the war. London, heavily bombed between 1940 and 1945, withstood attacks from the German Luftwaffe. Buckingham Palace, hit nine times, became a symbol of resistance, with the royal family remaining in the city despite the dangers. King Charles III’s participation, whose grandfather led the nation during the conflict, reinforced the link between past and present.

Kate Middleton’s role in the celebration

Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, played a central role in the event, appearing alongside her husband and children. Wearing an elegant light-colored ensemble, she drew attention for both her poise and the symbolism of her presence. After a challenging year marked by cancer treatment, diagnosed in 2024 and declared in remission in January 2025, her participation was seen as a milestone in her recovery.

The princess arrived at Buckingham Palace in a car with William and their children before joining the family on the balcony. During the parade, she conversed with veterans and officials, showcasing the charisma that has made her one of the monarchy’s most popular figures. Her interaction with Charlotte, helping her adjust her hat, was captured by cameras, generating tender moments that spread widely on social media.

Kate also attended the tea with veterans, listening to accounts from former combatants. Her presence underscored the royal family’s commitment to honoring those who served in the war, while highlighting her role as a future queen consort. The British press praised her dedication, especially after a period of public absence due to health concerns.

King Charles III’s participation

King Charles III, at 76, led the ceremony with Queen Camilla by his side. Dressed in a military uniform, he saluted the troops with a firm gesture, evoking the solemnity of his predecessors. His participation came amid personal challenges, including ongoing cancer treatment started in 2024 and monitored in 2025. Despite this, the monarch maintained an active schedule, attending high-significance events like Victory Day.

Charles engaged with veterans during the palace tea, hearing stories of battles like D-Day and the London Blitz. He also oversaw the recitation of Churchill’s speech, a moment that reinforced his connection to British history. The king’s presence, alongside his heir, William, and grandchildren, symbolized the monarchy’s continuity in times of change.

Highlights of the king’s involvement included:

• Saluting Ukrainian troops, a gesture of support for the nation at war.
• A brief speech thanking veterans and current armed forces.
• Presence on the balcony with the entire family during the flypast.
• Meeting with Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who attended the event.

The press noted the monarch’s health, highlighting his energy during the lengthy ceremony, a positive sign after months of public concern.

Queen Camilla and other royals

Queen Camilla, 77, accompanied King Charles III throughout the event. Dressed in a blue coat and matching hat, she participated in the parade and the veterans’ tea, showing support for former combatants. Her presence was understated but essential, reinforcing her role as consort in state events. Camilla also interacted with Kate Middleton and the children, helping maintain family harmony on the balcony.

Other royals, such as the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, also attended, though with less prominence. Prince Edward and Sophie arrived at Buckingham Palace before the parade, joining the initial tributes. The absence of figures like Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, now living in the United States, was noted by the press but did not overshadow the focus on the present heirs.

Camilla’s participation included moments like:

• Accompanying the king during the troop salute.
• Conversations with female veterans who served in support roles during the war.
• Presence alongside Kate Middleton at the veterans’ tea.

Her role reinforced the image of a cohesive monarchy, with members working together to honor British history.

Symbolism of Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace, the monarch’s official residence since 1837, served as the central stage for the celebrations. Built in 1703 and acquired by the royal family in 1761, the palace is more than a home: it is a symbol of continuity and resilience. During World War II, it was bombed nine times, with its chapel destroyed in 1940. The royal family’s decision to remain in London during the attacks strengthened their bond with the British people.

In 2025, the palace opened its doors to veterans and officials, with its private garden, London’s largest, hosting the tea reception. The balcony, where the royal family appeared for the flypast, is an icon of national celebrations, used in events like coronations and jubilees. The crowd, gathered before the Queen Victoria Memorial, waved British flags, recreating scenes from 1945 when King George VI and Princess Elizabeth greeted the public from the same spot.

The palace also reflects the monarchy’s modernization. In 2025, the Prince and Princess of Wales’ official Instagram account posted a photo album of the event, with a caption expressing gratitude to veterans. The post, reaching millions of views, showed the royal family adapting to digital platforms to engage a global audience.

Public and media reactions

The royal family’s appearance at Victory Day generated extensive media coverage. Newspapers like The Times and The Guardian highlighted the young heirs, with headlines praising the charisma of George, Charlotte, and Louis. International outlets, including CNN and the BBC, covered the event, emphasizing the 80th anniversary’s symbolism in a world marked by new conflicts. Posts on X, such as those from @thewalesbrasil and @middletonbrasil, shared images of the Prince and Princess of Wales, garnering thousands of likes and comments.

The London public, present in large numbers, showed support for the monarchy. Tourists from countries like the United States and Australia traveled to witness the parade, while British families brought children to learn about the war’s history. Some spectators interviewed by local media described the emotion of seeing Kate Middleton return to public events after her recovery.

Social media reactions included:

• Praise for Kate Middleton’s elegance and the children’s behavior.
• Comments on King Charles’s health, with support for his participation.
• Discussions on the symbolism of supporting Ukrainian troops.
• Humorous memes about Louis’s expressions during the flypast.

The coverage reinforced the monarchy’s relevance in moments of national unity, with the new generation drawing global attention.

Connection to World War II

World War II, spanning 1939 to 1945, was one of Britain’s most challenging periods. The UK, led by King George VI and Prime Minister Winston Churchill, faced bombings, rationing, and massive losses. The victory in Europe, announced on May 8, 1945, marked the end of fighting on the continent, though the war against Japan continued until August. Victory Day became a point of national pride, celebrated with parades and ceremonies ever since.

The royal family played a crucial role during the conflict. George VI and Queen Elizabeth, mother of Queen Elizabeth II, remained in London during the Blitz, visiting bombed areas to support the population. The young Princess Elizabeth, then 19, served as a military mechanic and celebrated Victory Day anonymously among the crowd outside Buckingham Palace. This history, recalled in 2025, linked the current event to the monarchy’s wartime courage.

The 2025 ceremony highlighted aspects of the war, such as:

• The role of D-Day, June 6, 1944, in liberating Europe.
• London’s resistance during 57 consecutive days of bombings in 1940.
• Women’s contributions in factories and support services.

The presence of veterans, many over 90, served as a living reminder of the sacrifices made eight decades ago.

Support for current armed forces

The Victory Day parade honored not only the past but also Britain’s current armed forces. Over 1,300 troops participated in the march, representing the Navy, Army, and Air Force. The presence of Ukrainian soldiers, carrying their flag, underscored the UK’s commitment to allies in contemporary conflicts. King Charles III, as commander-in-chief, emphasized the importance of maintaining robust armed forces.

The Royal Air Force flypast included modern aircraft like the Typhoon alongside historic models, symbolizing Britain’s military evolution. The Red Arrows, known for precise aerobatics, concluded the display with a formation that delighted the crowd. William, a former military helicopter pilot, spoke with Air Force members before the event, highlighting his connection to the troops.

The ceremony also recognized the armed forces’ recent roles, including:

• Peacekeeping operations in the Middle East and Africa.
• Humanitarian aid in natural disasters, like earthquakes.
• Training Ukrainian forces against the Russian invasion.

The royal family’s participation reinforced the monarchy’s support for the troops, a cornerstone of its public relationship.

Legacy of the monarchy in the event

The British monarchy, one of the world’s oldest, uses events like Victory Day to reinforce its relevance. King Charles III, who ascended the throne in 2022 after Queen Elizabeth II’s death, faces the challenge of sustaining the institution in a modern world. His participation, alongside William, Kate, and their grandchildren, showcased a monarchy in transition, with the new generation taking on prominent roles.

The presence of George, Charlotte, and Louis, in particular, signals the crown’s future. George, second in line to the throne, already joins his parents at select events, while Charlotte and Louis begin to learn royal protocol. Kate and William’s gradual introduction of their children reflects a careful balance between royal duties and a relatively normal childhood.

The event also highlighted the monarchy’s adaptation to modern media. Kensington Royal’s official account posted photos and videos of the parade, reaching millions of followers. The digital strategy, led by Kate and William, contrasts with Charles and Camilla’s more traditional approach, showing a monarchy evolving to maintain global influence.