## A Royal Salute to the Greatest Generation: Prince George Meets a WWII Veteran on VE Day Eighty years on from Victory in Europe Day, the nation is remembering the sacrifices made by its heroes. And in a touching moment that encapsulates the spirit of remembrance, a special meeting took place at Buckingham Palace. Prince George, our future King, had the honour of meeting a veteran who proudly served in the war, creating a poignant link between generations. Read on to discover the veteran’s heartwarming reaction and learn more about this special VE Day celebration.
Veterans Honored at Buckingham Palace
Prince George, 11, joined senior royals at a tea party with veterans, where a 98-year-old former prisoner of war, a 99-year-old who served with the Desert Rats and took part in the D-Day landings, and a 100-year-old woman who worked in the Special Operations Executive (SOE) were among 30 veteran guests of honor.
The Prince of Wales told 101-year-old Alfred Littlefield, from Portchester, near Portsmouth, that George is “interested” in learning about veterans.
Four Generations of Royals Gather on Palace Balcony to Observe VE Day Flypast
Four generations of the royal family have paid tribute to Second World War veterans in a balcony appearance at Buckingham Palace to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day.
The King and Queen, who stood alongside the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, waved to thousands of people from the palace balcony as a Red Arrows flypast continued the commemorations on Monday.
They were joined by the Princess Royal, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and the Duke of Kent.
Prince George Attends Veterans’ Tea Party
After the display, Prince George attended a veterans’ tea party with his parents, where he and William spoke with 101-year-old Royal Engineers veteran Alfred Littlefield who served during D-Day, as the Prince of Wales spoke of the importance of preserving veterans’ stories.
William smiled as he shook hands with veterans and said it was “very important” for Prince George and the “next generation” to hear the stories from those who fought in the war.
George listened intently as his father chatted to Mr. Littlefield and William later told veteran Douglas Hyde, who joined the merchant navy aged 18 in 1944, that his son was “very keen” to ask the former serviceman some questions.
Veterans Smile and Look Up as Flypast Goes Over Palace
Veterans smiled and looked up as the flypast went over the palace, and army veteran Joe Mines, 100, could be seen waving while others applauded.
The display narrowly avoided heavy rainfall as the weather changed just as crowds began to disperse.
Royal Family to Take Part in Engagements Over Next Four Days
The royal family are scheduled to take part in engagements over the next four days, less than a week after the Duke of Sussex told the BBC his father will not speak to him and he does not know how much longer the King has left.
The King and Queen are “looking forward” to the week’s events, and it is understood that, out of respect for the surviving veterans, Buckingham Palace hopes “nothing will detract or distract from celebrating with full cheer and proud hearts that precious victory and those brave souls, on this most special and poignant of anniversaries”.
Union Flag Drapes Cenotaph in Whitehall
In Whitehall, the Cenotaph was draped in a large Union flag, with the south and north face of the landmark covered.
It is the first time the war memorial has been draped in Union flags since it was unveiled by King George V more than a century ago, in 1920.
Crowds Gather on The Mall
Crowds started to gather on The Mall on Monday morning, with some arriving the day before to secure a viewing spot.
Conclusion
A Glimpse into History: VE Day Legacy Lives On
The recent 80th anniversary reception at Buckingham Palace, where Prince George met a veteran, has served as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during World War II. The article highlights the key moment when Prince George, the future King, demonstrated respect and appreciation for the country’s wartime heroes. The meeting between Prince George and the veteran underscores the significance of preserving history and honoring those who fought for freedom. As the veteran expressed pride in Prince George, it was a heartwarming moment that transcended generations, showcasing the enduring impact of VE Day on the nation’s psyche.
The significance of this event cannot be overstated, as it serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of remembering and learning from the past. The reception at Buckingham Palace marked a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to preserve the history of VE Day, a pivotal moment in world history. The meeting between Prince George and the veteran also highlights the role of future generations in carrying forward the legacy of those who fought for freedom. As we look to the future, it is essential that we continue to honor and learn from the sacrifices made during World War II, ensuring that the lessons of history are not forgotten.