The royal family focuses on commemorating the 80th anniversary of VE Day, hoping family disputes won’t overshadow the occasion.

As the UK prepares for the 80th anniversary of VE Day, the Royal Family has expressed hopes that nothing will distract from the solemn and celebratory events marking the end of World War II in Europe. This year’s VE Day celebrations come just days after Prince Harry’s candid BBC interview, where he spoke about his strained relationship with his father, King Charles III, and his ongoing battle over UK security.

Buckingham Palace made it clear that while family tensions remain in the public eye, the focus for the nation must remain on the wartime generation. In a statement, the Palace conveyed that it hoped “nothing will detract or distract” from the commemorations, underscoring the importance of remembering the sacrifices made by veterans and the hard-won victory of 1945.

King Charles and Queen Camilla are set to lead the nation in the celebrations, which include a military procession through central London, followed by the traditional appearance of the Royal Family on the Buckingham Palace balcony. The Red Arrows flyover will be a key moment, and the royals will host a tea party for veterans and their families at the Palace gardens.

The commemoration takes on added poignancy as it marks the first VE Day without the presence of any of the royals who were part of the historic balcony scene in 1945. At that time, King George VI, Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, and a young Princess Elizabeth waved to the crowds from Buckingham Palace, a moment seared into the nation’s collective memory.

Despite the absence of those historic figures, the Royal Family remains committed to upholding the legacy of their service and sacrifice. “This is an opportunity to celebrate, commemorate, and give thanks to the wartime generation whose selfless devotion and service should stand as an enduring example to us all,” a Palace aide said.

The royal celebrations will continue on 8 May with a thanksgiving service at Westminster Abbey, followed by a concert at Horse Guards Parade. Prince Harry’s interview on Friday, however, has cast a shadow over the proceedings. Speaking openly about his estrangement from King Charles, Harry revealed that his father had refused to engage with him and voiced concerns about his father’s health, given his recent cancer diagnosis.

The Duke also addressed his ongoing legal struggle with the UK government over his security arrangements while in the UK, a dispute which has made it difficult for him to return to Britain. He claimed his court defeat was the result of an “establishment stitch-up,” but Buckingham Palace has refrained from commenting on the interview.

In response to Harry’s comments, the Home Office defended the court’s decision, stating it was pleased with the ruling and emphasising that the UK’s security system is “rigorous and proportionate.” Buckingham Palace, for its part, referred to the matter as having been repeatedly examined by the courts.

While Prince Harry’s remarks have caused further strain in the Royal Family, the Palace is determined to maintain the focus on VE Day, an occasion which holds deep significance for the nation. The ceremony will undoubtedly be a powerful reminder of the resilience and sacrifice of previous generations, with King Charles and Queen Camilla leading the way in paying tribute to those who fought in the Second World War.