UK commemorates 80th anniversary of WWII victory with thanksgiving services: See photos​

Victory day celebrations in London
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Victory day celebrations in London

Eighty years ago on 8 May 1945, World War II came to an end with the unconditional surrender of Germany’s armed forces. To commemorate the victory, service of thanksgiving is organized at Westminster Abbey in London. (Image: AP)

Britain PM Starmer addresses
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Britain PM Starmer addresses

Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch arrived to attend the celebrations. On the occasion, Starmer said “The idea that this was all just history and it doesn’t matter now somehow, is completely wrong. Those values of freedom and democracy matter today. (Image: AP)

Royal family members arrive
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Royal family members arrive

Members of the royal family including Britain's King Charles III, Prince William, Princess Kate of Wales and Queen Camilla attended the Service of Thanksgiving. (Image: AP)

Former PMs attend the service
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Former PMs attend the service

Britain's former prime ministers Boris Johnson and David Cameron were part of the victory day celebrations. The service began with a two-minute silence to remember Germany’s unconditional surrender. (Image: AP)

War veterans participates
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War veterans participates

The ceremony was attended by war veterans whose contributions were vital in achieving the World War two victory. One of the war veterans, Ken Hay arrived in the service. (Image: AP)

Service of thanksgiving begins
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Service of thanksgiving begins

The service began with the display of artefacts from the second World War at Westminster Abbey. (Image: AP)

Igniting candle of peace
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Igniting candle of peace

Great-great-grandson of Winston Churchill, Alexander Churchill, 10 participated in the service. He lighted the victory day 80th candle of peace. (Image: AP)

Medals from World War II
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Medals from World War II

Campaign medals from the second World War and a D-Day map, one of the six objects in the Procession of Witness, was carried to the High Altar by Major Paul Marriott during the service of thanksgiving. (Image: AP)

Melody of tribute by Zizi Strallen
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Melody of tribute by Zizi Strallen

Singer Zizi Strallen sings 'The White Cliffs of Dover' during the celebrations. A concert, for 10,000 members of the public was organised at Horse Guards Parade in London. (Image: AP)

A symbol of peace
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A symbol of peace

Britain's Sophie the Duchess of Edinburgh and Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh laid down flowers after attending the service of thanksgiving. (Image: AP)

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