Prince William and Princess Kate make solemn appearance with King Charles at VE Day service – best photos 

The royals arrived in reverse precedence at the service. The Princess Royal, who was accompanied by her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, donned a blue embroidered coat and matching hat.

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh arrived alongside the Princess Royal. Sophie matched her sister-in-law in blue, wearing a long-sleeved dress by Beulah London. 

Prince William looked smart in a blue lounge suit with a Household Division tie. He wore his Great Master of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath Neck Order and also sported his Jubilee and Coronation medals. 

Kate opted for a white polka dot midi dress by Alessandra Rich, previously worn for the Garter Day service in 2023. 

The Princess accessorised with a black veiled hat by Juliette Botterill and pearl earrings, which once belonged to William's late mother, Princess Diana. 

Charles was all smiles upon arrival. His Majesty wore a blue pinstriped lounge suit with his medals and neck order.

Her Majesty was elegant in a white crepe silk dress and white coat with black stitching by Anna Valentine, with a black and white hat by Philip Treacy. 

She sported the brooch of the 12th Lancers - a nod to her late father's regiment.

The late Queen's cousins, the Duke of Kent, and the Duke of Gloucester, along with his wife, Birgitte, were the first royals to be seated.

The Queen and the Princess of Wales, who coordinated in white outfits, stood for the two-minute silence around the Grave of the Unknown Warrior near the West Door in solemn tribute to those who fought for freedom during the Second World War. 

The King moved forward to lay a wreath at the black marble Grave of the Unknown Warrior, followed by the Prince of Wales. 

Their floral tributes were made of seasonal flowers including pink, white and peach roses, which would have been found in bloom 80 years ago on 8 May 1945.

The prince stepped back and bowed his head in tribute after leaving his wreath.

Charles placed his wreath on behalf of the nation and the Commonwealth while William did so for the veterans and the Second World War generation.

At their side, watching from his wheelchair, was veteran Ken Hay, 99, who served in the infantry regiment.

Kate shared a loving glance at her husband during the service.

The royal couple marked their 14th wedding anniversary last month.

The handwritten note on the monarch's wreath read: "We will never forget. Charles R."

The Prince and Princess of Wales's message on their wreath read: "For those who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Second World War. We will remember them. William and Catherine."

The King, the Queen and the Prince and Princess of Wales and other members of the royal family met veterans in the nave at the end of the service.

The monarch was seen deep in enthusiastic conversation with a number of veterans, bending close to speak to them.

The Princess of Wales crouched down to meet one woman, holding her hand as she chatted to the veteran, who was wearing medals and sat in her wheelchair.

The Princess of Wales left a posy of colourful flowers at the large circular slate Innocent Victims' Memorial outside the Abbey on departure, as did the Queen.

The blooms were picked on Wednesday within the walls of Windsor Castle and the surrounding estate.

They included rosemary for remembrance, oak for endurance and bluebells which traditionally represent gratitude.

The Prime Minister's wife wore a cobalt blue ensemble. 

Former prime ministers were among the congregation, including David Cameron and his wife, Samantha. 

Former prime minister Rishi Sunak was in attendance, along with his wife, Akshata Murty, who sported a collared red shift dress.