THE King will host a VE Day bash for 50 World War Two veterans at Buckingham Palace on Bank Holiday Monday.
Queen Camilla, Prince William and Princess Kate will attend the tea party — one of thousands of events as Britain starts four days of 80th anniversary celebrations.
Monday, May 5, will feature a momentous parade by 1,300 service personnel from Parliament Square into Whitehall and along the Mall.
Normandy RAF veteran Alan Kennett, 100, of Lichfield, Staffs, will carry a Torch for Peace. He said: “It’s a huge honour and a privilege.”
The royals will look on from a stand at the Queen Victoria Memorial along with veterans from the Royal British Legion — and the public can watch from the Mall.
World War Two planes and the Red Arrows will perform a flypast.
Veterans, accompanied by their families and carers, will then have tea with King Charles.
On Thursday, May 8 — VE Day’s anniversary — the royals will attend a thanksgiving service at Westminster Abbey.
Zoe Ball will then host a TV concert at Horse Guards Parade.
She said: “Our nation went through so much. The bravery and sacrifices of so many for our freedom, we must always remember and this will be a very special night.”
The two-hour show, televised live on the BBC, will include a revival of Dad’s Army.
Dames Joan Collins, Mary Berry and Sheila Hancock will also join in commemorations, while actor Brian Cox will read PM Winston Churchill’s “war is over” speech.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: “VE Day 80 is a chance for us to come together and celebrate our veterans and ensure their legacy of peace is passed on to future generations.
“Whether by watching on TV or having a street party with neighbours, everyone can take part.
“This is one of the last chances we have to say thank you to this generation of heroes and it is right that we do just that.”
And Mark Atkinson, Director General of the Royal British Legion, said: “The Royal British Legion is incredibly proud to put Second World War veterans at the heart of the commemorations.
“It’s important we remember those who went to war, who fought for the freedom of not just Europe but everywhere, and those who risked their lives and never made it back.”
