King Charles watched a military parade from the balcony of Buckingham Palace as Britain marked the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day

The royals were cheered by a big crowd on The Mall in central London, before the Royal Air Force's Red Arrows display team flew over the palace, leaving trails of red, white and blue smoke behind them.

A number of the royals, including King Charles and Prince Wiliam, wore uniforms that reflected their military ties. The monarch wore a Naval No.1 uniform that didn't feature any medals or decorations.

The King's outfit was reminiscent of that worn by King George VI, his grandfather, who stood on the Buckingham Palace balcony on VE Day back in 1945.

The day's commemorations also featured actor Timothy Spall reading Sir Winston Churchill's famous victory speech.

The wartime prime minister's message was originally delivered in the House of Commons and broadcast in London on May 8 1945.

Elsewhere, the King and Queen hosted a tea party for military veterans at Buckingham Palace.

During a conversation with one World War Two veteran, the King - who was born in November 1948 - was heard saying: "It's so special to get you here on this sort of occasion. It's the least we could do for you."

The UK has organised four days of commemorations to mark the end of the war in Europe.

VE Day itself will fall on Thursday (08.05.25) and the King and Queen are set to attend a special service at Westminster Abbey. The royals will also attend a large-scale concert at Horse Guards Palace in London.