WAR heroes were honoured at Windsor Castle last night — ahead of a two-minute silence next week to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day.
King Charles and Queen Camilla hosted some of our bravest military veterans, leaving Prince William “in awe”.
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Earlier, the Government announced the country will pause at noon on Thursday in a show of appreciation for our World War Two heroes.
The two-minute silence will be followed by a service at Westminster Abbey attended by Charles and Camilla.
Last night, recipients of the Victoria and George Crosses were honoured at Windsor by the King and Queen, as well as the Prince of Wales.
The oldest was Keith Payne, 92, awarded the VC in Vietnam for saving 40 men under heavy mortar fire in 1969.
He flew over especially from Australia.
William told them: “I am in awe of all of you.”
Next week the nation will mark 80 years since Germany surrendered on May 8, 1945, ending the war in Europe.
Commemorations kick off on Bank Holiday Monday.
The Cenotaph will be dressed in Union flags and 1,300 service personnel will take part in a military procession from Whitehall to Buckingham Palace.
An RAF flypast featuring World War Two and modern aircraft will zoom over London before the Royal Family entertain 50 veterans at a tea party in Buckingham Palace.
On Thursday’s anniversary, Government offices will observe the two-minute silence, with other organisations asked to follow suit.
Later, DJ Zoe Ball will host a two-hour party in front of 10,000 guests at Horse Guards Parade to be shown live on BBC One.
Pubs and bars have also been granted permission to stay open for an extra two hours until 1am.
On the last big landmark, for VE Day 75, most stayed at home in Covid lockdown.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said it was a “chance for us to celebrate our veterans and ensure their legacy of peace is passed on”.
An installation of more than 20,000 ceramic poppies, some in the shape of a Lancaster bomber, was unveiled at Lincoln’s International Bomber Command Centre.
- THE remains of six Commonwealth soldiers who were killed in World War One have been laid to rest in France 109 years on.
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