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WAR heroes were honoured at Windsor Castle last night — ahead of a two-minute silence next week to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day.

King Charles and Queen Camilla hosted some of our bravest military veterans, leaving Prince William “in awe”.

Group photo of King Charles III, Camilla, Queen Consort, Prince William, and members of the Victoria Cross and George Cross Association at Windsor Castle.
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Britain will stop for a two-minute silence to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, pictured William, Charles and Camilla with Victoria and George Cross holdersCredit: Richard Pohle
Queen Camilla speaking with Keith Payne V.C. at Windsor Castle.
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Queen Camilla speaking to veteran Keith Payne, 92, awarded the VC in Vietnam after saving 40 men under heavy mortar fireCredit: Yui Mok/PA Wire
Queen Camilla speaking with Keith Payne V.C. at Windsor Castle.
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A marvellous poppy tribute in LincolnshireCredit: Bav Media

Earlier, the Government announced the country will pause at noon on Thursday in a show of appreciation for our World War Two heroes.

The two-minute silence will be followed by a service at Westminster Abbey attended by Charles and Camilla.

Last night, recipients of the Victoria and George Crosses were honoured at Windsor by the King and Queen, as well as the Prince of Wales.

The oldest was Keith Payne, 92, awarded the VC in Vietnam for saving 40 men under heavy mortar fire in 1969.

READ MORE ON VE DAY

He flew over especially from Australia.

William told them: “I am in awe of all of you.”

Next week the nation will mark 80 years since Germany surrendered on May 8, 1945, ending the war in Europe.

Commemorations kick off on Bank Holiday Monday.

The Cenotaph will be dressed in Union flags and 1,300 service personnel will take part in a military procession from Whitehall to Buckingham Palace.

An RAF flypast featuring World War Two and modern aircraft will zoom over London before the Royal Family entertain 50 veterans at a tea party in Buckingham Palace.

Brits to get Bank Holiday bonanza this year to celebrate VE Day with star-studded concert, flypast & 4 days of events

On Thursday’s anniversary, Government offices will observe the two-minute silence, with other organisations asked to follow suit.

Later, DJ Zoe Ball will host a two-hour party in front of 10,000 guests at Horse Guards Parade to be shown live on BBC One.

Pubs and bars have also been granted permission to stay open for an extra two hours until 1am.

On the last big landmark, for VE Day 75, most stayed at home in Covid lockdown.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said it was a “chance for us to celebrate our veterans and ensure their legacy of peace is passed on”.

An installation of more than 20,000 ceramic poppies, some in the shape of a Lancaster bomber, was unveiled at Lincoln’s International Bomber Command Centre.

  • THE remains of six Commonwealth soldiers who were killed in World War One have been laid to rest in France 109 years on.
King Charles III laughing and talking to a woman at a reception.
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King Charles laughs while greeting guests at a serviceCredit: PA
Aerial view of a memorial featuring 20,000 ceramic poppies arranged in the shape of a Lancaster bomber.
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This display can be seen all summer at Lincoln’s International Bomber Command Centre — in honour of 617 Squadron (the Dambusters)Credit: Bav Media
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