The Royal Family’s Next Buckingham Palace Balcony Appearance Revealed for a Milestone Anniversary
The British Royal Family is set to mark a historic occasion with a highly anticipated appearance on the Buckingham Palace balcony, as announced on April 25, 2025. This event will commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, a milestone that celebrates the end of World War II in Europe on May 8, 1945. The balcony appearance, scheduled for May 5, 2025, will be a centerpiece of a four-day series of events honoring veterans and reflecting on the sacrifices made during the war. This moment promises to blend royal tradition with national pride, drawing attention from around the globe.
The Buckingham Palace balcony has long been a stage for significant royal moments, from Trooping the Colour to jubilee celebrations. Its iconic status was cemented during VE Day in 1945, when King George VI, Queen Elizabeth (later the Queen Mother), and a young Princess Elizabeth joined Prime Minister Winston Churchill to greet cheering crowds. The 2025 appearance will echo that historic day, with King Charles III, Queen Camilla, and other royals expected to view a military procession and flypast, joined by Prime Minister Keir Starmer and World War II veterans. The event will likely include Prince William, Princess Kate, and their children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—continuing the tradition of younger royals participating in major commemorations.
The VE Day 80th anniversary celebrations will begin on May 5 with a military procession of 1,300 armed forces members, marching from Whitehall to Buckingham Palace. A spectacular flypast featuring current and historic aircraft, including the Red Arrows, will follow, visible from the palace balcony. This display will honor the bravery of those who served and evoke memories of the jubilant scenes from 1945. Afterward, King Charles and Queen Camilla will host a tea party in the palace gardens for approximately 50 veterans, their families, and members of the wartime generation. The use of recycled fabrics for bunting at the event reflects a modern commitment to sustainability, blending tradition with contemporary values.
The significance of this anniversary lies not only in its historical weight but also in its timing. As one of the last major VE Day commemorations likely to include a significant number of surviving World War II veterans, the event carries a poignant tone. King Charles, who has emphasized remembrance throughout his reign, is expected to lead the nation in honoring the “Greatest Generation.” The royal family’s involvement extends beyond the balcony appearance, with other members participating in related events. The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester will attend a commemoration in Denmark on May 4, while Princess Anne and her husband, Sir Tim Laurence, will visit the Channel Islands to mark the 80th anniversary of their liberation on May 9 and 10.
The younger royals, particularly Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, are anticipated to draw significant attention. Their presence on the balcony will mark another milestone in their public lives, following their last appearance during Trooping the Colour on June 15, 2024. Prince George, now 11, has shown a growing sense of duty, while Charlotte, nearing her 10th birthday on May 2, 2025, and Louis, 7, often capture public affection with their unfiltered enthusiasm. Their involvement underscores the monarchy’s continuity, bridging past and future generations. Reports suggest that Princess Kate, who has been focusing on early childhood initiatives, will accompany her children, reinforcing the family’s commitment to public service.
The VE Day celebrations will extend beyond May 5. On May 6, an installation of ceramic poppies at the Tower of London will symbolize remembrance, while historic landmarks across the UK will be illuminated. A concert in Westminster Hall is planned for May 7, followed by a service of thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey and a public concert at Horse Guards Parade on May 8, the actual anniversary date. These events, supported by the Royal British Legion and Arts Council England, aim to engage communities nationwide, encouraging street parties and educational programs. The government has emphasized the importance of this anniversary as an opportunity to “do that generation proud,” as stated by Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
This balcony appearance comes at a time when the royal family is navigating personal and public challenges. King Charles, 76, has been managing his health following cancer treatment, yet remains committed to his duties. His presence on the balcony will symbolize resilience and continuity. Similarly, Princess Kate’s participation, alongside her ongoing work with the Royal Foundation, highlights her gradual return to public life. The event will also reflect the monarchy’s ability to unite the nation during moments of collective reflection, a role it has played for generations.
The VE Day 80th anniversary will not only honor the past but also look to the future. The royal family’s balcony appearance will serve as a powerful reminder of the enduring bond between the monarchy and the British people. As the world watches, this moment will encapsulate the themes of remembrance, gratitude, and unity, ensuring that the sacrifices of 1945 are never forgotten. With the Red Arrows soaring overhead and veterans celebrated below, the Buckingham Palace balcony will once again be the heart of a nation’s pride.
