Additional Coverage:
- Prince Louis sends fans into meltdown ‘mimicking’ brother George during VE Day parade (themirror.com)
Young Royals Steal the Show at VE Day Commemorations
Amidst the solemnity of VE Day commemorations at Buckingham Palace, a touch of youthful levity was provided by Prince Louis, who playfully mimicked his older brother, Prince George. The two young princes, along with their parents, the Prince and Princess of Wales, attended the military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe.
The royal family joined veterans to watch the parade, with the young princes shaking hands and listening to their stories. Seven-year-old Prince Louis was spotted thoughtfully brushing some lint off his father’s RAF uniform jacket while Prince William explained the proceedings to his youngest son. Later, Louis drew smiles from onlookers by copying Prince George’s gesture of brushing his hair back from his face.
The light-hearted moment came after the royals were applauded as they took their seats. Both Prince George and Prince Louis followed their father’s lead, shaking hands with a nearby veteran. The Princess of Wales joined them, sitting next to the veteran and later examining some photographs he shared with her.
As a light drizzle began, umbrellas went up, and King Charles was seen assisting veteran Joy Trew with some blankets.
The King, dressed in naval uniform No. 1 dress – a tribute to his grandfather, King George VI – and Queen Camilla, wearing a sapphire blue ensemble by Fiona Clare, were reported to be enthusiastic about the four-day series of engagements. This despite recent comments by Prince Harry in a BBC interview, expressing uncertainty about his father’s health and revealing a strained relationship.
Buckingham Palace has emphasized the importance of honoring the veterans, hoping the focus will remain on celebrating their contributions and the significance of the anniversary. Princess Anne also paid tribute to the late Queen by wearing the uniform of the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry (Princess Royal’s Volunteer Corps), mirroring her mother’s attire from the 1945 VE Day celebrations.
Echoes of 1945 resonate as crowds gather once again, this time along The Mall, eager to participate in the commemorations. The national and international significance of VE Day is underscored by the participation of personnel from the US, France, and Germany in Monday’s military procession, a poignant reminder of the shared history and enduring legacy of this pivotal moment in time. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer paid tribute to the veterans in a letter, acknowledging the immeasurable debt owed to them.