Philip to play part in VJ Day commemorations
THE Duke of Edinburgh is to feature in commemorations marking the 75th anniversary of VJ Day when the royal family leads the nation in honouring those who served in the Far East.
The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall will take part in a televised service of remembrance and thanksgiving and the Duke of Cambridge will appear separately in a programme paying tribute to the sacrifices of Second World War Allied Forces.
Boris Johnson said: “When the Second World War ended 75 years ago with the surrender of Japan, British soldiers, sailors and airmen were serving in the Far East, fighting hard to achieve victory - and were among the last to come home.
“On this anniversary I want to remember what we owe the veterans of the Far East campaign. They brought an end to the Second World War, they changed the course of history for the better, liberated South East Asia, and many paid the ultimate sacrifice.
“That’s why on this remarkable anniversary - and every day hereafter we will remember them.”
Philip, 99, was on board the destroyer HMS Whelp moored in Tokyo Bay, a warship he served on as second-incommand and which was present when Japanese officials signed the surrender.
During the commemorations on VJ Day, August 15, he will feature on large screens in locations across the country in a poignant photo montage alongside other Second World War veterans, with each pictured with an image of themselves from their time in service.
It will be a rare appearance for the duke who retired from royal duties in 2017 and has only been seen in public a handful of times, most recently for a military event at Windsor Castle where he has been isolating from Covid-19 with the Queen.
The BBC will broadcast two programmes on the day. In the morning, The Nation Remembers on BBC One will feature Fergal Keane and Dan Snow live from the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, where the remembrance commemoration is taking place. In the evening, The Nation’s Tribute, narrated by Joanna Lumley, will air pre-recorded from Horse Guards Parade in London.