King Charles led the Royal Family today to begin celebrations to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day. As he was joined by Queen Camilla and other senior members of the Firm, a leading royal expert has pointed out the incredibly fitting tribute the King made to his grandfather, King George VI.

Appearing in front of the Queen Victoria Memorial, and later on the balcony of Buckingham Palace in his Naval uniform, the King was notably not wearing any of his actual medals, instead opting for his service ribbons. Speaking exclusively to the Express, royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams noted that this was a sentimental decision on the King's part.

Referring to the appearance coming days after Prince Harry's bombshell interview with the BBC, Mr Fitzwilliams explained: “The BBC reported that Buckingham Palace was hoping that 'nothing will detract or distract' from today's commemorations. Indeed it didn't."

He continued: “The Royal Family's appearance on the balcony seemed a symbol of continuity and national unity, rounding off an important commemoration of one of the proudest periods of our history. The event was highly impressive as expected. In a touching tribute to his grandfather, King George VI, King Charles wore his naval uniform without medals and decorations.

“The appearance paid homage to the famous balcony appearance by the Royal Family on VE Day 1945. Massive crowds, which Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret joined, rejoiced. The Royal Family made eight appearances and Prime minister Winston Churchill two.”

The story of what the late Queen did on VE Day night 80 years ago has gone down in history, and she later reflected on it, saying: "I think it was one of the most memorable nights of my life."

In a rare interview in 1985, the Queen, who served in the Auxiliary Territorial Service, recalled: "We were terrified of being recognised, so I pulled my uniform cap well down over my eyes. A Grenadier officer among our party of about 16 people said he refused to be seen in the company of another officer improperly dressed, so I had to put my cap on normally.

"I remember lines of unknown people linking arms and walking down Whitehall, all of us just swept along on a tide of happiness and relief. I also remember when someone exchanged hats with a Dutch sailor; the poor man coming along with us in order to get his hat back."

While she and her younger sister Princess Margaret had joined King George VI and The Queen Mother on the balcony of Buckingham Palace several times throughout the evening, there was one moment where the Queen recalled standing in front of the palace instead.

She recalled: "We were successful in seeing my parents on the balcony, having cheated slightly by sending a message into the house, to say we were waiting outside."

At 9pm, King George made a broadcast to the nation where he praised the country and everyone who served. He said: "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."