NEVER FORGOTTEN: King Charles Marks 80th Anniversary of VJ Day with Six-Minute Address Echoing His Grandfather George VI

In a moment steeped in history, symbolism, and solemn remembrance, King Charles III has led the nation in commemorating the 80th anniversary of VJ Day — the day that marked the end of World War II with Japan’s surrender on August 15, 1945.

The King’s carefully crafted six-minute televised address, delivered from the grand setting of Buckingham Palace, drew deliberate parallels to the speech his grandfather, King George VI, gave to the nation on the very same date eight decades ago. It was a poignant reminder of the monarchy’s enduring role as a voice of unity during the nation’s most testing times.

A Speech with Historic Echoes

Dressed in a dark suit and a somber navy tie, King Charles began his address by recalling the moment when the guns fell silent in the Pacific and the Second World War officially came to an end. His tone was deliberate — reflective yet resolute — as he paid tribute to the bravery of the men and women who fought in one of history’s most devastating conflicts.

“On this day, eighty years ago, the world emerged from a darkness that had claimed millions of lives,” the King said. “We owe an eternal debt to those who served, to those who sacrificed, and to those who never returned home.”

Observers immediately noted the striking similarity in phrasing to King George VI’s own VJ Day speech, in which the wartime monarch described the end of the conflict as “a victory of right over wrong, of freedom over oppression.”

By invoking his grandfather’s words, Charles not only honored the memory of the past but also underscored the monarchy’s long-standing role in binding the nation together during pivotal moments.

Remembering the ‘Forgotten Army’

A significant portion of the King’s address was devoted to the Allied forces in the Asia–Pacific theater, often referred to as the “Forgotten Army.” These were the British and Commonwealth troops who fought in Burma, Malaya, and other parts of Southeast Asia — regions where the war continued even after Nazi Germany’s surrender in May 1945.

“History must never overlook the courage of those who fought far from home, in harsh and unforgiving conditions,” the King said, his voice heavy with emotion. “Their battles may not have filled the headlines at the time, but their contribution was no less decisive in securing the peace we enjoy today.”

By placing this focus on the “Forgotten Army,” Charles reaffirmed his commitment to giving long-overdue recognition to veterans who often felt sidelined in the broader narrative of the war.

Ceremonies Across the Nation

The King’s address was the centerpiece of a series of commemorative events across the United Kingdom and Commonwealth. In London, wreaths were laid at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, attended by senior members of the Royal Family, government officials, and surviving veterans — now all in their late 90s or older.

In Portsmouth, a service was held aboard HMS Victory, symbolizing the Royal Navy’s role in the Pacific campaign. Across the country, communities observed a two-minute silence at 11 a.m., with church bells ringing out afterward to mark the end of the war.

Internationally, Commonwealth nations including Australia, Canada, and New Zealand held parallel ceremonies, emphasizing the global nature of the victory and the shared sacrifices that led to it.

Personal Reflections from the King

King Charles, a lifelong student of history, used part of his speech to share personal reflections on the human cost of war. He spoke of visiting veterans’ associations and hearing first-hand accounts of the hardships they endured — from months in tropical jungles to years spent as prisoners of war.

“My late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, and my grandfather, King George VI, both understood the gravity of this day,” he said. “Their wartime service and steadfast leadership have shaped my own sense of duty. Today, I renew my pledge to uphold the values for which so many fought and died.”

This personal touch resonated with viewers, linking the King’s own life and family history directly to the events being commemorated.

A Message for the Future

While the speech was rooted in remembrance, it also carried a clear message for the present and future. Charles warned of the dangers of forgetting history and urged the younger generation to see VJ Day not as a distant event in the past but as a living lesson.

“Freedom, peace, and mutual respect are never permanently won — they must be guarded and cherished by each new generation,” he said. “In remembering the past, we protect the future.”

This forward-looking sentiment echoed his broader focus on unity, service, and moral responsibility — themes that have defined his reign so far.

Public and Media Reaction

The address was met with widespread praise from both the public and historians. Military associations commended the King for spotlighting the “Forgotten Army,” while media commentators noted the deft balance between honoring tradition and speaking to modern audiences.

The BBC described the speech as “a masterclass in historical continuity,” while The Times praised it for its “measured dignity and moral clarity.” On social media, many users shared side-by-side clips of Charles and George VI’s speeches, highlighting the generational connection.

A Day That Will Always Matter

The 80th anniversary of VJ Day holds particular significance because it comes at a time when the number of living veterans from World War II is rapidly dwindling. Historians estimate that fewer than 1% of those who served are still alive today.

This reality made the King’s call for remembrance all the more urgent. “Their stories must live on in our schools, our communities, and our national consciousness,” he declared.

Echoes of the Past, Guidance for the Present

By consciously echoing his grandfather’s words, King Charles drew a straight line between the Britain of 1945 and the Britain of 2025. It was a reminder that while the challenges of the present may be different in form, the values that guided the nation through war — resilience, sacrifice, unity — remain just as relevant.

The image of the King, standing in the same palace from which George VI spoke to the nation eight decades earlier, was as powerful as the words themselves. It was a tableau of continuity in a rapidly changing world.

Closing Words

As the bells tolled and the nation reflected, King Charles concluded his speech with a simple yet profound message:

“We remember them not only for what they did, but for who they were — and in doing so, we honor the very best of humanity.”

In those six minutes, the monarch managed to weave together the threads of history, family legacy, and national identity. And in doing so, he ensured that VJ Day — and those who lived it — will indeed be never forgotten.