King Charles and Queen Camilla attended a special ceremony on August 15, 2025, to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire. The event brought together around 33 veterans aged between 96 and 105 who served in the Far East and Pacific during World War II. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and his wife Victoria also joined the royal couple for this important remembrance service.
The ceremony honored those who fought in what was often called the “Forgotten Army” in Southeast Asia and the Pacific region. During the service, King Charles and Queen Camilla laid flowers in tribute to the fallen soldiers. According to People, the event included a guard of honor from the Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force, along with musical performances and flypasts by the Red Arrows and The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.
The most touching moment came when Captain Yavar Abbas, a 105-year-old veteran of the 11th Sikh Regiment of the British Indian Army, paused during his planned reading to deliver an unscripted tribute. “Before I read the excerpt, I make due apologies for briefly going off the script to salute my brave King, who is here with his beloved Queen in spite of the fact that he’s under treatment for cancer,” Abbas said while raising his hand in salute. The veteran’s unexpected words clearly moved both monarchs, with Queen Camilla visibly emotional as she appeared to blink away tears.
King Charles continues royal duties despite ongoing health battle
The VJ Day ceremony marked King Charles’s final official engagement before beginning his annual summer holiday at Balmoral Castle in Scotland. King Charles has been battling cancer since his diagnosis earlier this year, and his openness about his condition has created deeper connections with the public throughout his treatment journey.
Captain Abbas, who is also a cancer survivor having been “rid of it for 25 years and counting,” spoke from personal experience when honoring the King’s courage. After the ceremony, King Charles spent over 30 seconds in private conversation with the veteran, and they were later seen sharing tea together at a reception. The 105-year-old veteran, a retired writer and TV producer, told reporters afterward that he made no apology for going off script with his heartfelt tribute.
Following the emotional VJ Day service, King Charles and Queen Camilla traveled to Scotland to begin their traditional late summer retreat at Balmoral Castle. On Sunday, August 17, they were photographed attending church services at Crathie Kirk, with the King driving himself and Queen Camilla in an Audi sedan. The couple smiled and waved to onlookers as they made their way to the regular place of worship for the Royal Family when staying at the Scottish estate. The following day, King Charles participated in a welcome ceremony at Balmoral, officially marking the start of his extended summer stay which will continue through early October.
Published: Aug 18, 2025 02:21 pm