The Prince and Princess of Wales, along with King Charles III and Queen Camilla, welcomed more than 30 veterans to Buckingham Palace for a commemorative tea party celebrating their service in the Second World War. Guests of honour included a 100-year-old SOE operative, a D-Day veteran, and a former prisoner of war. The event, organised with the Royal British Legion, featured a flypast and a traditional afternoon tea in the Palace’s Marble Hall. The King was seen personally thanking the veterans, remarking: “It’s the least we could do for you.”
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Prince William shared that his eldest son, Prince George, had taken a strong interest in learning about those who served in the war. Speaking with 101-year-old veteran Alfred Littlefield, the Prince of Wales said George had asked how old he was during the conflict. William emphasised the importance of younger generations hearing first-hand accounts of wartime service, while the Princess of Wales engaged with author Margaret Wood, an evacuee during the war, and requested a copy of her published memoir. Kate also joked about George needing to practise his aim like the veterans she met.
The tea party brought light-hearted moments as well, with 101-year-old Norman Trickett performing a magic trick for Queen Camilla, who laughed as he deftly whipped string from her finger. Other touching interactions included King Charles tucking a blanket around 98-year-old Joy Trew during a military parade, and Camilla exchanging memories with Henry Ducker, 104, about her late father’s military service. Many veterans described the occasion as overwhelming and emotional, with heartfelt reflections on the sacrifices made by their comrades.
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Guests dined on a spread of British favourites including sausage rolls, egg and bacon quiche, treacle tart, and strawberries and cream. Veterans from across the armed services, including the Royal Navy, Army, RAF, and wartime organisations such as the SOE and the Women’s Royal Naval Service, were in attendance. Politicians, including Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Foreign Secretary David Lammy, joined the tribute alongside actor Timothy Spall. RBL director general Mark Atkinson called the occasion “one of our last opportunities as a nation to pay tribute to those veterans still with us today.”
