King Charles III Friday lauded the “courage” of veterans and civilians who paid a high price to end World War II, leading UK commemorations for the 80th anniversary of VJ Day.

Charles referenced “conflicts around the world today” in an audio message to the nation, arguing WWII remained a reminder that “war’s true cost extends beyond battlefields, touching every aspect of life”.

WWII veterans “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”.

The UK was Friday marking the occasion with a remembrance service at the National Memorial Arboretum to be attended by dozens of veterans aged from 96 to 105 who served in East Asia and the Pacific.

The commemorations will begin with a national two-minute silence at no

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