The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh celebrated the 70th anniversary of Victory over Japan day in London on Saturday. The royal couple joined Prime Minister David Cameron and more than 1,000 veterans of the Far East campaign and serving members of the Armed Forces for the service at St Martin-in-the-Fields Church in Trafalger Square.
Her Majesty looked happy to be at the event, and greeted the crowds who had gathered outside the church to get a glimpse at both the royals and Saturday afternoon's spectacular fly-past of historic and modern military aircraft over central London.
© Photo: PAThe Queen and Duke of Edinburgh attended the VJ day service
The monarch entered the church with her husband the Duke of Edinburgh, who was proudly wearing his medals from his service in World War II. They were closely followed by Prince Edward and the Sophie Wessex.
The proceedings continued with a fly-past on Saturday afternoon. A Spitfire, Dakota and Hurricane of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and a Royal Navy Swordfish took to the skies along with a current RAF Typhoon fighter jet to commemorate 70 years to the day that the Japanese finally surrendered – marking the end of World War II.
Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall continued the celebrations on Saturday afternoon by joining further veterans and their families for an event at Horse Guards Parade, which will involve the drumhead service and a wreath-laying ceremony.
© Photo: PAPrince Charles laid a wreath at Horse Guards Parade
Guests at the event then participated in a special 70th anniversary parade, where they were led by pipes and drums as they moved down Whitehall and through Parliament Square to Westminster Abbey.
The final part of the route was lined by current military personnel in tribute, and led the guests to the grounds of Westminster Abbey, where a reception will be hosted by the Royal British Legion.
