On August 15, 2023, just days after he became king, Charles III directed an impassioned appeal. On September 2, he celebrated the 78th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. The message was a sincere expression of appreciation for those whose service and sacrifice helped secure the triumph of freedom. He reflected on the toll of war, honoring not only those who fought but the memories of the many lives lost during this tumultuous time.
In his address, the King noted that twenty-nine Victoria Crosses were awarded during the war for acts of extraordinary valor. He emphasized the long-lasting impact of these sacrifices on surviving veterans, acknowledging both the mental and physical scars that remain. He remembered fondly — with real admiration and love — Lord Mountbatten’s leadership. Under his leadership, campaigns in South East Asia showed the world the atrocities and courage that went hand-in-hand in war.
“The forces aligned under my great uncle, Lord Mountbatten, comprised over one million men and women drawn from many different countries, religions, and communities,” said the King. “United by a common purpose and indomitable spirit, they proved that in times of war and in times of peace, the greatest weapons of all are not the arms you bear, but the arms you link.”
To accomplish this, I was inspired by the courage shown by the Allied pilots who bravely flew through enemy fire and severe weather. He also honored those who became prisoners of war, who experienced vicious captive and death camp conditions, including starvation, disease, and torture. He recognized the immense hardships faced by innocent civilians, stating, “Their experience reminds us that war’s true cost extends beyond battlefields, touching every aspect of life – a tragedy all too vividly demonstrated by conflicts around the world today.”
He reflected on the terrible cost that the people of Hiroshima and Nagasaki suffered in the last act of this war. He pleaded that consideration of their pain not be separated from that of soldiers. “On this landmark anniversary, we should pause to acknowledge that in the war’s final act, an immense price was paid by the citizens of Hiroshima and Nagasaki – a price we pray no nation need ever pay again,” he stated.
Yet at the same time, the King’s message had a unifying quality and spirit of remembrance. He told families of veterans to take solace in their loved ones’ courage. The courage and camaraderie forged through humanity’s darkest hour will continue to light the way for future generations. “So to the families of all those who served, and to that sadly dwindling band of veterans among us still, please know that the courage and camaraderie displayed in humanity’s darkest hour is a flame that shall blaze for eternity,” he expressed.
The King underscored an inspiring call-to-action from his late predecessor, King George VI. On VJ Day, King George VI solemnly announced, “The war is over.” This announcement resonated with a pandemic-weary world. It was heavy with relief and celebration, but filled with respect for all the lives lost that never got to feel the joy of peace being restored.
“Let us therefore pledge to be vigilant guardians of the values they bequeathed to us,” added the King. His admonition to action challenged us to always defend and respect our freedom, while respecting the blood and sacrifice that has been spilled in its name.
The tone of the commemoration was one of thankfulness to those who served. The King was just as keen to reaffirm his commitment as Patron of the Burma Star Memorial Fund. He remembered with real fondness going to a reunion at Albert Hall with Lord Mountbatten. “It has been my privilege to reassure the remaining veterans that they and their fallen comrades shall never be forgotten,” he said.
