Britain observed yesterday the 75th anniversary of the defeat of Japan in World War II, with many events held online due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Victory in Japan (VJ) Day marks 75 years since Japan surrendered to the Allied forces, ending hostilities.
A formal surrender ceremony was held on September 2 on board the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay.
Fighting in the Asia-Pacific had continued for several months after the defeat of Nazi Germany – Japan’s ally – in May 1945.
Prince Charles, heir to the British throne, and his wife, Camilla, attended a VJ Day national service of remembrance at the National Memorial Arboretum.
The royal couple led a national two-minute silence, and reviewed a fly-past by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.
They also laid wreaths at the Kwai Railway Memorial, with some war veterans and their relatives watching from a safe distance.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson was also present.
An estimated 50,000 British and Commonwealth service personnel died in the war against Japan.
Celebrations of the 75th anniversary include a fly-past by jets from Britain’s Red Arrows air force display team.
Philip, 99, was present in Tokyo Bay in 1945.
Fighting in Europe ended in May 1945.
This is commemorated on May 8, Victory in Europe (VE) Day, although this year, many VE Day events across Europe were cancelled due to the pandemic.