Buckingham Palace has announced that King Charles will deliver a rare national address next week to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VJ Day. The pre-recorded audio message will be broadcast on August 15, marking Japan's surrender in 1945 which ended the Second World War.
The King and Queen will attend a remembrance service at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, joined by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Second World War veterans. The BBC will broadcast the service live, honouring all who served in the Asia-Pacific theatre, including those awarded the Burma Star and former prisoners of war.
The Royal British Legion is hosting the event in collaboration with the Government. A two-minute silence will precede an aerial display by the Red Arrows, and the service will conclude with a flypast by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. The King and Queen will later attend a reception with veterans.
Meanwhile, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh will take part in a service at Edinburgh Castle, and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester will attend commemorations in Norwich and Suffolk. A final reception for veterans will be held at Windsor Castle later in the autumn.
