Dame Vera Lynn: Royalty and Sir Paul McCartney Lead Tributes
The Queen, Prince Charles and Beatles legend Sir Paul McCartney are among those who have paid respects to Dame Vera Lynn, who has died aged 103.
Forces’ Sweetheart Dame Vera, whose songs helped raise morale in World War Two, was best known for her wartime anthem We’ll Meet Again.
Buckingham Palace said the Queen will send private condolences to the singer’s family.
Her daughter recalled her “wonderful life and fantastic career”. Virginia Lewis-Jones said during a special on Thursday evening: “We as a family are very sad that my mother is no longer with us and this programme is a tribute to her wonderful life and her fantastic career.
“She touched so many people’s lives and we are very, very proud of her.”
Sir Paul tweeted after the programme to describe Dame Vera as “strong and inspiring”.
“I am so sad to hear of her passing but at the same time so glad to have met her and experienced first-hand her warm, fun-loving personality. Her voice will sing in my heart forever,” he wrote on
Twitter.
Clarence House shared images of the singer meeting Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall and receiving her honour at Buckingham Palace.
The Queen previously echoed Dame Vera’s famous WW2 anthem during a speech to Britons who were separated from families and friends during the coronavirus lockdown in April. She told the nation: “We will be with our friends again, we will be with our families again, we will meet again.”
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Dame Vera’s “charm and magical voice entranced and uplifted our country in some of our darkest hours”.
director general Lord Hall said: “What sad news. Not only was she dear to many, she was a symbol of hope during the war and is a part of our national story. “She demonstrated how music and entertainment can bring joy in the most challenging times. Something that will resonate with many people today.”
Dame Vera’s family in a statement confirmed she died on Thursday morning surrounded by her close relatives.