As the royal family prepares to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, King Charles is said to have one heartfelt wish: that the focus remains on remembrance rather than renewed royal divisions. The commemorations, beginning Monday and culminating in a service at Westminster Abbey, come days after Prince Harry gave a bombshell interview to the BBC.
In the interview, Harry described his legal defeat over UK security as a 'good old-fashioned establishment stitch-up' and said he had 'no idea' how much time his father might have left. He reiterated a desire for reconciliation, but the comments have caused concern at a sensitive time, as the King continues cancer treatment.
A palace aide said on Sunday: 'The King, Queen and other members of the royal family are much looking forward to all the week’s VE Day events. They will unite with the rest of the nation and the Commonwealth in celebrating and giving thanks to the wartime generation.' Aides have stressed that Buckingham Palace hopes 'nothing will detract or distract' from the tone of remembrance.
The week’s events include a military parade through London, a tea party for veterans at Buckingham Palace, and a concert at Horse Guards Parade. King Charles, determined to attend key moments, will host veterans with the Queen on Monday and join them on the Palace balcony for an RAF flypast. Prince Harry is not expected to attend.
In a subtle show of support, Meghan shared a black-and-white photo on Instagram of Harry carrying their daughter Lilibet and holding hands with son Archie. The image was uncaptioned. For Charles, this is his first major VE Day as monarch and the first since the death of Queen Elizabeth II, who celebrated VE Day in 1945 as a young princess.
