King Charles and the Royal Family commemorated the 80th anniversary of VE Day with a grand flypast — and according to one expert, the display may have carried a subtle message aimed at Prince Harry.
During the event, senior members of the monarchy gathered on the Buckingham Palace balcony, waving to crowds as the Red Arrows roared overhead in tribute to the Allied victory that brought an end to World War II in Europe.
The King and Queen stood alongside the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, watching the flypast with heads tilted skyward.
This public moment followed closely on the heels of Prince Harry’s BBC interview, in which he revealed that his father isn’t speaking to him and admitted uncertainty about how much time the King has left.
Nevertheless, the monarch and Queen Camilla were said to be “looking forward” to the commemorative week. A palace source indicated that, in honour of the remaining WWII veterans, Buckingham Palace wished for “nothing to detract or distract from celebrating with full cheer and proud hearts that precious victory and those brave souls, on this most special and poignant of anniversaries.”
Body language expert Judi James interpreted the balcony appearance as a show of unity and strength from the royals.
Speaking to the Mirror, she explained: “Royal balcony moments always show the Firm at their highest status best, standing in a position of ultimate power as a strong family unit while looking down on the massed crowds of their subjects, all cheering wildly to show their support.
“So, the symbolism of this appearance could hardly have been more timely given the latest verbal pelting to have come from Montecito. This confident, stoic appearance suggested high levels of the kind of resilience that the Royal Family are always known for.”
Judi also observed quiet moments of care and support exchanged between family members, particularly among siblings. She pointed out: “During one moment on the balcony Princess Anne, who had been chatting to her brother in a strong display of unity during the fly-past, seemed to notice that Charles was waving to go indoors before the anthem had been played.
“Placing a hand out to pat him affectionately on the back, she seemed to warn him so he could turn and get into position. It was a gesture that suggested Anne is quietly keeping an eye on her brother.”
In another unexpected moment, Louis appeared to be looking out for his older brother. “When the anthem was played, he stood to attention like his sister, but he suddenly turned to check out his older brother George behind him.
“George was caught with his hands still clasped in front of his body and, in a complete turn-around, it was the normally playful Louis who seemed to quickly correct him before turning back.”
Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7, last appeared together in public at the Christmas Day church service at Sandringham.
True to form, Louis once again delighted royal watchers, briefly sticking out his tongue — a now-signature move from the young prince. He was also spotted toying with the gold aiguillettes on Prince William’s RAF uniform, tapping his father’s shoulder, and holding his hands out, palms up, as though testing for raindrops — which eventually arrived.