The Princess of Wales brought back a Self Portrait dress for tonight’s VE Day concert. The event wraps up four days of celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day.
A quick video of the King and Queen arriving was posted by Emily Ferguson of The Daily Express.
The King and Queen arrive for the VE Day 80 concert live from Horse Guards Parade 🇬🇧 pic.twitter.com/Go2eQ72eiz
— Emily Ferguson (@emilyinpalace) May 8, 2025
The King and Queen as they took their seats. On the King’s right was a World War II veteran named Harry Richardson. Mr. Richardson was a bomber pilot during the war and a recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross. He is now 107 years old. 
Below, the veteran greets the Princess of Wales. Embed from Getty Images
Both the Prince and the Princess spent time chatting with Mr. Richardson. Embed from Getty ImagesThe former pilot speaking with the King. Embed from Getty Images
More from The Mirror’s piece by Russell Myers.
A touching moment amid the singing and incredible performances as 107-year-old veteran Harry Richardson’s letters frome from the Front to his partner was read out.
As a backdrop to the words, Freya Ridings’ Lost Without You was hauntingly played, leaving many in tears.
The royal box at Horse Guards Parade. On Prince William’s right, Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Embed from Getty Images
The Princess is greeted by Victoria Starmer, the Prime Minister’s wife. Embed from Getty ImagesAlso attending tonight’s gala, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh. (I thought I saw a photo showing the Duke of Gloucester at the concert, but haven’t been able to locate that photo.) Embed from Getty ImagesAnd here is a wide shot of the crowd. Embed from Getty Images
There was a surprise flypast by a World War Two-era Lancaster bomber as things got underway.
We were proud to conduct a surprise flypast over this evenings #VE80 celebrations in London!
Thank you to the @BBC for the footage of the event. #VE80 #VEDay80 #Horseguards #London pic.twitter.com/czL7nljWqC
— RAF BBMF (@RAFBBMF) May 8, 2025
More about the event from the BBC’s coverage.
The event, presented by Zoe Ball, featured performances by artists including Fleur East, Calum Scott and The Darkness, as well as storytelling and tributes to veterans.
Below, a tribute to the Andrews Sisters. Embed from Getty ImagesA choir performed. Embed from Getty ImagesSamantha Barks sang the wartime classic, “We’ll Meet Again.”Embed from Getty Images
The crowd seemed very engaged throughout the concert. Embed from Getty Images
As were the Prince and Princess. 
And the King and Queen. Embed from Getty ImagesFleur East and the “Strictly Come Dancing” professionals. Embed from Getty ImagesSir Willard White sang, “You’ll Never Walk Alone.” Embed from Getty Images
Actor Brian Cox delivered a powerful re-enactment of Winston Churchill’s iconic wartime speech. Embed from Getty Images
The Princess enjoying the concert. 
After much of the entertainment was complete, the King took the stage to deliver remarks. 
More from the BBC’s story.
King Charles got a rousing reception when he took to the stage and, on a night of family memories, his speech began with a reference to his own family.
“It is now 80 years since my grandfather, King George VI, announced to the nation and the Commonwealth that ‘the dreadful shadow of war has passed from our hearths and our homes’. The liberation of Europe was secured,” the King told the audience at the VE Day concert.
He quoted his grandfather King George VI: “We shall have failed, and the blood of our dearest will have flowed in vain, if the victory which they died to win does not lead to a lasting peace, founded on justice and established in good will.”
As the King spoke, images were shown on giant screens erected for the concert. Embed from Getty Images
The King included a few portions from his late mother’s diary:
“Out in the crowd again. Embankment, Piccadilly. Rained, so fewer people. Conga-ed into House. Sang till 2 a.m. Bed at 3 a.m.!”
A wide shot as the King spoke. Embed from Getty ImagesAnd a wave from the King as he concluded his speech. Embed from Getty Images
Now, for our look at what Kate wore this evening. 
The Princess repeated a dress by Self Portrait, the Cream Tailored Boucle and Chiffon Midi Dress. Made of polyester fabric, the frock is described as a midi wrap style with “a long-sleeved bodice that is fitted at the waist and falls to a pleated midi skirt.” It features several textures, including the nubby boucle, chiffon, and lace. 
It has peak lapels, flap pockets, a self-belt, and it is lined. Below, a closer look at the details.
We first saw the Princess wearing this design at a September 2021 reception thanking those who worked on the Hold Still book project. 
The dress made a second appearance for the Platinum Party at the Palace concert in 2022.
The Princess wore her hair partially pulled back with a large velvet bow at the back. Embed from Getty Images
She carried her Chanel Classic Square Mini Flap Handbag (similar style here) in quilted black lambskin with goldtone metal hardware. 
The Princess accessorized with pieces from vintage jeweler Susan Caplan. Many readers will recognize the Five-Strand Necklace, first worn to events marking Holocaust Memorial Day in January of this year. 
The earrings are 1980s Vintage Renaissance Revival design (£75, now sold out), a gold-plated style featuring faux pearls in a cross pattern with smaller faux pearl accents. Thank you to Irish Sara for her quick work identifying the earrings and Middleton Maven for confirming the ID with Susan Caplan.
A look at the Cenotaph tonight.
The floodlit Cenotaph on Whitehall at the conclusion of the #VEDay80 commemorations. 📷 Joe Little pic.twitter.com/nntKl44DA6
— Majesty Magazine & Joe Little (@MajestyMagazine) May 8, 2025
Here is one more image from tonight’s concert. Embed from Getty ImagesVIDEOS:
This video from the UK Ministry of Defence does a good job of reminding us of the scenes in London 80 years ago.
This VE Day and always, we will remember the generation that gave everything to restore freedom to Europe.#VEDay80 pic.twitter.com/YGXTtP88XT
— Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 (@DefenceHQ) May 8, 2025
Sky News shows the entirety of the King’s speech in this clip.
A video posted by Buckingham Palace.
An inspiring evening to remember, celebrate and honour the heroes who risked their lives in the Second World War.#VEDay80 pic.twitter.com/bQJJWACnpV
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) May 8, 2025
And an interesting premise for a video is seen in this piece from the UK’s Department for Culture, Media, and Sport.
We’re here because they were there#VEDay80 | #VE80 | #Victory80 pic.twitter.com/kfGJHuSaGn
— Department for Culture, Media and Sport (@DCMS) May 8, 2025
