Prince William and Princess Kate Join King Charles for Powerful VE Day Service – The Best Photos You Can’t Miss!

The Prince and Princess of Wales joined the King and Queen to pay tribute to the wartime generation on VE Day. Prince William, 42, and Kate, 43, were among the senior royals at the thanksgiving service to mark the 80th anniversary at Westminster Abbey in central London.

Also in attendance were the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, the Princess Royal and Sir Tim Laurence, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and the Duke of Kent. The royal ladies coordinated in shades of blue and cream, with Kate bringing back a polka dot Alessandra Rich dress.

The royal family led the congregation in a national two-minute silence of reflection and remembrance. The King then laid a wreath at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior, followed by the Prince of Wales.

After the service, the King and Queen, and senior royals met veterans in the congregation, with the Princess smiling as she crouched down to speak to one lady.

Camilla also led the royals in laying flowers at the Innocent Victims’ Memorial, outside the Abbey’s West Door.

Their floral tributes were made of seasonal flowers including pink, white and peach roses, which would have been found in bloom 80 years ago on 8 May 1945.

Charles placed his wreath on behalf of the nation and the Commonwealth while William did so for the veterans and the Second World War generation.

At their side, watching from his wheelchair, was veteran Ken Hay, 99, who served in the infantry regiment.

Kate shared a loving glance at her husband during the service. The handwritten note on the monarch’s wreath read: “We will never forget. Charles R.”

The Prince and Princess of Wales’s message on their wreath read: “For those who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Second World War. We will remember them. William and Catherine.”

The King, the Queen and the Prince and Princess of Wales and other members of the royal family met veterans in the nave at the end of the service. The monarch was seen deep in enthusiastic conversation with a number of veterans, bending close to speak to them.

The Princess of Wales crouched down to meet one woman, holding her hand as she chatted to the veteran, who was wearing medals and sat in her wheelchair.

The Princess of Wales left a posy of colourful flowers at the large circular slate Innocent Victims’ Memorial outside the Abbey on departure, as did the Queen.

The blooms were picked on Wednesday within the walls of Windsor Castle and the surrounding estate. They included rosemary for remembrance, oak for endurance and bluebells which traditionally represent gratitude.