VE Day: How is the 80th anniversary being marked?

Current members of the Armed Forces took part in the VE Day service

A special thanksgiving service has been held at Westminster Abbey to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, with a two-minute silence beforehand at midday.

VE Day, which is also known as Victory in Europe Day, was on 8 May 1945.

It's a special time for many people all over the world as it was the day fighting against Nazi Germany in Europe ended during the Second World War. Just months later, the war was officially over.

Around 1,800 guests attended the service including the King and Queen, the prime minister, and a number of veterans.

What happened during the service?

King Charles III laid a wreath at the grave of the Unknown Warrior during the service of thanksgiving to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day

Several members of the Royal Family attended the VE Day service at Westminster Abbey, including the Prince and Princess of Wales.

The King laid a wreath at the tomb of the Unknown Warrior. The grave contains the body of an unknown British soldier who fought during the First World War.

10-year-old Alexander Churchill, who is the great-great-grandson of former British prime minister Winston Churchill, lit the Candle of Peace during the service

There was singing throughout the service from the choir of Westminster Abbey.

There were also several speeches and prayers, and Sir Keir Starmer gave a Bible reading.

The Prince and Princess of Wales also attended the special VE Day service

10-year-old Alexander Churchill, who is the great-great-grandson of prime minister Winston Churchill, lit a special candle, while white roses were given to veterans by young people who attended the service.

Young people including this scout gave out flowers to Second World War veterans during the VE Day service of thanksgiving

A final blessing was given before the service came to an end.

Members of the Royal Family met lots of the veterans who attended.

There were 78 veterans at the service including several who are now more than 100 years old.

The King spoke to veterans who attended the service of thanksgiving to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day

After the service, the Prince and Princess of Wales laid flowers at the Innocent Victims' Memorial.

The memorial remembers people who have suffered throughout the world.

The flowers that were laid were picked on the grounds of Windsor Castle and the surrounding estate.

The Princess of Wales laid flowers at the Innocent Victims' Memorial after attending the service of thanksgiving

What other events have been taking place to celebrate?

A number of veterans attended a tea party hosted by the Royal British Legion

The Royal British Legion, which is a charity supporting veterans and members of the Armed Forces, hosted a tea party at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day.

Veterans posed for a photo as part of the celebrations

Celebrations also took place elsewhere including a tea party at a veterans' home in Renfrewshire, Scotland.

Veterans attended a tea party at this home in Renfrewshire