Windsor Castle Reception to Mark the 80th Anniversary of VJ Day
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On 11 November, representatives connected to the Memorial Gates Charity and the Royal British Legion were welcomed to Windsor Castle for a Reception hosted by Their Majesties The King and Queen to mark the 80th anniversary of VJ Day.
Those attending were

 • Gilbert Clarke, Second World War veteran, aged 99
 • Dr Angela Burnett, carer supporting Gilbert
 • Paul Chambers, Memorial Gates
 • Manpreet Maycock, Memorial Gates
 • Emma Vernalls, Royal British Legion

The Reception brought together veterans, serving personnel, families and supporters whose lives and histories are connected to VJ Day. Veterans from across the country were welcomed by Their Majesties who spoke with them with warmth and kindness. The atmosphere throughout the evening was respectful and gentle, especially for those who had travelled long distances.

One of the memorable moments of the evening was seeing Gilbert Clarke greeted warmly by The King, The Queen, The Prince of Wales and the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer. Each took a moment to acknowledge his service and exchange a few friendly words with him. These moments reflected the deep respect shown to all veterans present at the Reception.

Inside the State Apartments, guests were well looked after. The setting was beautiful, and the hospitality was thoughtful, with musicians performing throughout the evening and with food and drinks offered to all guests. Conversations unfolded naturally among veterans, serving personnel, and those who support remembrance work.

Throughout the evening, we also met a number of High Commissioners and representatives from across the Commonwealth. Many expressed their enthusiasm for the upcoming Memorial Gates ceremony and shared their interest in the planned Women in War theme. It was encouraging to hear how strongly they value the work of the Memorial Gates Charity and the importance they place on remembering the contribution of Commonwealth men and women who served during both World Wars.

​Although Their Majesties were meeting many guests, we were grateful for the opportunity to briefly introduce ourselves as part of the Memorial Gates Charity. Even short moments of connection felt meaningful in such a historic setting. The sense of shared purpose among everyone present was clear and reflected the spirit of remembrance that the evening was designed to honour.

The Reception felt less like a formal occasion and more like a gathering shaped by shared history and mutual respect. Veterans revisited their memories, and serving personnel reflected on what VJ Day means to them today. Guests left with a renewed appreciation for the sacrifices made by those who served in the Far East campaign and by the millions from the Commonwealth whose stories we continue to honour.
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The evening at Windsor Castle will remain with us for a long time. As we mark eighty years since VJ Day, the conversations and connections from the Reception continue to strengthen the mission of the Memorial Gates Charity and the work we do to preserve these important histories.