Spectacular concert at Horse Guards Parade in London ends VE Day celebrations

We must remember the service and sacrifice of the wartime generation, King Charles said at the concert in Horse Guards Parade, closing the four days of events for the 80th anniversary of VE Day.

The King delivered a speech at the precise moment 80 years after King George VI spoke to the nation to celebrate VE Day.

He said that we owe the "greatest debt" to all those who died in the conflict and commented on how the Second World War impacted the lives of everyone living in the UK.

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"We unite to celebrate and remember with an unwavering and heartfelt gratitude, the service and sacrifice of the wartime who made the hard-fought victory possible," the King said.

"While our greatest debt is owed to all those who paid the ultimate price, we should never forget how the war changed the lives of virtually everyone."

King Charles also remarked about visiting the previous 80th anniversaries around Europe, from D-Day to Auschwitz.

And he described that while the fighting ended in Europe 80 years ago, it continued in the Pacific and Japan.

The monarch's speech was part of the finale to the nationwide VE Day 80 celebrations.

He also said that the UK needs to continue remembering and commemorating their stories as the number of World War II veterans decreases.

"As the number of those who lived through the Second World War so sadly dwindles, the more it becomes our duty to carry their stories forward, to ensure their experiences are never to be forgotten," he added.

The live concert brought together music, storytelling and tributes to those who served during World War II.

The star-studded concert line-up included performances from the stars of stage and screen, including Samantha Barks, Fleur East, Freya Ridings, along with cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason.

Singer, TV presenter and DJ Fleur East opened the concert with dancing from the Strictly Come Dancing professionals.  

There was also a revival of the 60s and 70s TV classic Dad's Army, which featured Kevin Eldon, Iain Glen, Nigel Havers, Sir Derek Jacobi, Larry Lamb, Alex Macqueen and Daniel Mays.

Elsewhere, Callum Scott sang the wartime classic The White Cliffs of Dover, while Samantha Barks performed We'll Meet Again, accompanied by a live orchestra.