What time is the Queen’s VE Day address and how can I watch?
MANY traditional VE Day celebrations have been cancelled today due to the coronavirus lockdown - but we can still look forward to the Queen's speech this evening.
Here's all you need to know on Her Majesty's public address.
What time is the Queen's VE Day speech?
Today marks the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe.
To commemorate this, the Queen will deliver a speech to the general public.
The Queen's speech will form the centrepiece of the televised musical event VE Day 75: The People’s Celebration.
Her Majesty's speech will start at 9pm - the exact time her father, King George VI, made his radio address to the nation in 1945 to announce victory in Europe after what he called “nearly six years of suffering and peril”.
How can I watch it live?
The message will be broadcast on BBC One.
Although the televised musical event will commence at 8pm, the Queen's speech will start at 9pm.
It will also be aired on the radio.
If you happen to miss the speech, you will be able to catch up on
What will the Queen say about Victory in Europe Day?
Modified to suit a nation in lockdown, the Queen's special speech with be televised to mark the historic moment.
Much like her special address amid the coronavirus pandemic, it is anticipated Her Majesty will urge us to sing We'll Meet Again by Vera Lynn.
Prince Charles will also do a reading from the King’s diary.
The diary entries include descriptions of the Royal Family’s balcony appearances from 1945, as Brits celebrated the end of war in Europe.
How else is VE Day being commemorated?
The Queen's speech will not be the only event to brighten our screens on Victory of Europe Day.
Other events planned include:
- Extracts of Sir Winston Churchill's victory speech
- A two-minute silence at 11am
- A speech from Prime Minister Boris Johnson about the importance of VE Day at 3pm
- A special reflection and moment of prayer recorded by the Archbishop of Canterbury
- A 'national singalong' of Dame Vera Lynn's 'We'll Meet Again' after the Queen's speech
- A virtual Service of Remembrance by Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland
The Royal Family
Although physical contact will be limited due to the coronavirus crisis, a video call will take place between the First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford and veterans.
The nation will also be encouraged to open their doors immediately afterwards and sing the famous wartime song We’ll Meet Again.