Lancaster Bomber Leads VE Day Flypast
London, UK – With a thunderous roar, the iconic Lancaster Bomber soared above Buckingham Palace, becoming the first aircraft to pass over the historic landmark during the highly anticipated VE Day 80th anniversary flypast. Crowds erupted in cheers as the aircraft, accompanied by two Spitfires from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, set the stage for a poignant and patriotic celebration.
As the moment approached, thousands pressed against the Palace gates, eagerly awaiting the Royal Family’s appearance on the balcony. When King Charles III and Queen Camilla emerged, leading senior royals onto the balcony, the crowd burst into applause, offering three hearty cheers for the monarchs and the World War II veterans they came to honour.
A Historic and Emotional Moment
This year’s commemoration carries special weight—it marks the first VE Day anniversary without any royals who stood on the Buckingham Palace balcony in 1945. Back then, King George VI, Queen Elizabeth (the Queen Mother), Princess Elizabeth, Princess Margaret, and Prime Minister Winston Churchill greeted jubilant crowds celebrating the end of the war in Europe.
Today’s appearance was led by King Charles III and Queen Camilla, joined by the Prince and Princess of Wales with their children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. The family interacted warmly, with Princess Catherine sharing laughs and gestures with her daughter while watching the military procession below.
Military Procession and Flypast Thrill the Public
Earlier in the day, over 1,300 members of the armed forces paraded from Whitehall to Buckingham Palace. Cadets, veterans, and regiments, including eleven Ukrainian military personnel carrying their national flag, received enthusiastic applause along the route.
Squadron Leader Dan Wilkes, who previously coordinated flypasts for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and King Charles’s coronation, said timing was crucial for today’s 23-aircraft display. The Lancaster Bomber led the formation, followed by five waves of military jets, with the Red Arrows delivering a spectacular finale.
A Nation Remembers
As the Red Arrows painted the sky with trails of colour, spectators lining The Mall captured selfies and waved flags. Among the crowds, one woman proudly held a photograph of her late father—a World War II veteran—along with his medal, embodying the deeply personal connections many have to this historic day.
Behind the scenes, even street cleaning crews were applauded, a reflection of public appreciation for all those contributing to the day’s success.
Looking Ahead
With the veterans of the Second World War now in their late nineties or older, this may be one of the last commemorations featuring a notable presence from that generation. Royal correspondent Sean Coughlan noted the bittersweet tone of the day, highlighting the fading living memory of a war that shaped the modern world.
As the formal events concluded, the public continued to celebrate with street parties and gatherings across the country. Meanwhile, HMS Belfast hosted an exclusive VE Day event, underscoring the day’s enduring legacy and the importance of remembering the past.
