On the morning of the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day (VJ Day), the Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Catherine, shared a heartfelt message through their official social media accounts. Their statement was a solemn reminder of the courage, sacrifice, and unwavering resilience shown by British and Commonwealth soldiers who fought in the Far East during World War II.
In their words, the royal couple expressed gratitude to the generation that endured the harsh realities of the war, reminding the public that we owe them an everlasting debt. “On this day, the 80th anniversary of VJ Day, we remember the extraordinary courage, sacrifice, and resilience of all who served,” they wrote. Adding emphasis, they highlighted the particularly heavy burden carried by those who fought in the Asia-Pacific region, sometimes referred to as part of the “Forgotten War.” Their message closed with the initials “W and C,” a personal touch symbolizing that their sentiments came directly from them.
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Royal Family Engagements Across the Nation
While the Prince and Princess of Wales chose not to attend any public ceremonies in person this year, other senior members of the royal family were heavily involved in commemorations taking place throughout the United Kingdom.
The central national service was held at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, hosted by the Royal British Legion. King Charles III and Queen Camilla were in attendance, where they joined 33 surviving veterans of the Far East campaigns. These veterans, aged between 96 and 105, represent the last living links to that chapter of wartime history. For many, this service was not only an act of remembrance but also an acknowledgment of a conflict that has long been overshadowed by events in Europe.
Meanwhile, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester traveled to Norwich Cathedral to join the 80th anniversary service dedicated to prisoners of war who suffered captivity in the Far East. Similarly, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh attended a solemn service at the Scottish National War Memorial in Edinburgh Castle, also organized by the Royal British Legion Scotland. Their itinerary included a second commemorative event in Suffolk, honoring not only the soldiers but also the families and children of prisoners of war, who endured years of uncertainty, grief, and hardship during and after the conflict.
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The King’s Message of Reflection
To mark the anniversary, King Charles issued a moving six-minute audio message in the morning, setting the tone for the day’s events. In his address, the King reminded the nation—and the wider Commonwealth—that the sacrifices made by VJ Day soldiers went beyond securing freedom. Their resilience, endurance, and unyielding sense of duty gave later generations opportunities that could not have been imagined during those dark years of war.
Charles did not shy away from acknowledging the devastating events that led to Japan’s surrender: the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. He spoke of the immense human cost suffered by the Japanese people, describing it as “a price we pray no nation need ever pay again.” His recognition of this tragedy highlighted both the destruction of war and the enduring need for peace.
The King concluded his speech with a reflection that resonated with optimism. “In times of war and in times of peace, the greatest weapons of all are not the arms you bear, but the arms you link,” he declared, urging unity, compassion, and cooperation as the strongest defenses against division and conflict. His words were intended to not only honor the past but also inspire hope for a more peaceful future.
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Remembering the “Forgotten War”
The commemorations of VJ Day serve as a reminder of a part of World War II that has often been less visible in the public memory compared to the European campaigns. The battles in Burma, Malaya, Singapore, and other parts of the Asia-Pacific were brutal, with soldiers facing harsh climates, grueling jungle warfare, and often unimaginable suffering as prisoners of war.
For decades, those who served in the Far East referred to their struggle as the “Forgotten War,” overshadowed by the celebrations of VE Day earlier in 1945. The 80th anniversary, therefore, stands as both a remembrance and a corrective, ensuring their sacrifices are honored and acknowledged. Veterans who survived captivity often carried physical and emotional scars for the rest of their lives. Many lost comrades to starvation, disease, and forced labor. Families back home endured years of uncertainty, often not knowing the fate of their loved ones until long after the war had ended.
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A Nation’s Enduring Gratitude
The tributes from William, Kate, and the wider royal family reflect a broader national sentiment of gratitude. The 80th anniversary is not just about looking back at history, but also about recognizing the resilience of a generation that endured unimaginable hardships. Their courage continues to shape the freedoms and security enjoyed today.
As the Prince and Princess of Wales made clear in their personal message, the duty of remembrance falls to all generations. “We shall always be thankful to the generation that gave so much, to whom we owe an enduring obligation,” they wrote. Their absence from formal services was offset by their public acknowledgment, ensuring their voices joined the chorus of remembrance across the country.
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