The thanksgiving service at Westminster Abbey began with a two-minute silence, which was also observed across the country, to remember Nazi Germany's unconditional surrender, which took effect on May 8,

VE Day 80 celebrations ended with beacons lit across the UK, including at Portland, overlooking Chesil Beach and the Jurassic Coast. VE Day celebrations came to a close across Dorset on Thursday with beacon lighting ceremonies across the county.

Britain’s King Charles and heir to the throne Prince William laid wreaths in Westminster Abbey on Thursday at the culmination of the country’s four days of commemorations to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day.