King Charles and Queen Camilla were overcome with emotion during Wednesday’s national remembrance service when a 105-year-old veteran made a personal tribute to the monarch’s battle with cancer.
According to People, Captain Yavar Abbas deviated from his prepared VJ Day remarks to honor the King’s strength during treatment, drawing heartfelt applause and visible tears from the royal couple.
The royal couple attended the August 15 ceremony commemorating the 80th anniversary of VJ Day, which marks the Allied victory over Japan and the end of World War II. The solemn occasion was held at the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas, a site known for hosting many national remembrance services in England.
The pair, King Charles, 76, and Queen Camilla, 78, joined veterans, military personnel, and other attendees in honoring those who served during the Second World War. Among those present was Captain Yavar Abbas, a centenarian and retired veteran renowned for both his military service and work as a filmmaker. Abbas was invited to speak at the event as part of the national commemoration. As he began his address, the veteran paused to make an unexpected and moving addition to his remarks.
Veteran pauses scripted remarks for personal message
The moment that drew the most attention occurred early in Abbas's speech. He began by stating that he would depart from his prepared remarks to share a personal thought with those gathered. “Before I read the excerpt, I make due apologies for briefly going off the script,” Abbas told the crowd. He then turned his focus to the monarch and continued, “to salute my brave King, who is here with his beloved Queen, although he’s under treatment for cancer.”
The personal tribute notably affected both King Charles and Queen Camilla. As Abbas addressed the couple, Queen Camilla was seen wiping away tears with a tissue while the King looked visibly touched by the gesture.
Shared health journey sparks deeper connection
In a poignant moment, Abbas revealed that he is a survivor of cancer, creating a shared connection with the King that transcended the boundaries of the day’s ceremony. He stated to the audience that he had been free of cancer “for 25 years and counting.” The frank revelation resonated across the audience and prompted a round of applause from those in attendance. He noted that his experience with cancer was a journey he feels he “shared” with the King. His words underscored a sense of solidarity and resilience that gave the tribute a deeply personal and emotional tone.
King continues duties during cancer treatment
King Charles has continued to make public appearances and carry out royal responsibilities in 2025, despite ongoing cancer treatment. His specific diagnosis has not been disclosed to the public, but palace officials confirmed the illness last year.
The King has often been seen greeting well-wishers, attending engagements, and taking part in national observances such as this VJ Day remembrance. His appearance at this particular ceremony highlighted not only his dedication to honoring veterans but also his commitment to service amid personal health challenges. The presence of the monarch at Wednesday’s event was widely praised, particularly among the military community and attendees who acknowledged the effort it must have taken to attend.
VJ Day ceremony highlights history and heroism
VJ Day, or Victory over Japan Day, signifies August 15, 1945, when Imperial Japan surrendered, officially ending World War II. This year’s commemoration marked eight decades since that pivotal day.
The ceremony at the National Memorial Arboretum included traditional elements such as wreath-laying, a moment of silence, and speeches honoring those who served in the Far East and beyond. Organizers placed special emphasis on veterans in attendance, providing an opportunity for them to share their memories and reflections. Captain Abbas’s speech, however, stood out as a defining moment. His decision to personalize his message gave the occasion a deeper resonance that reverberated through the audience and the nation.
Tributes underscore resilience and unity
The heartfelt exchange between Captain Abbas and the royal couple offered a moving reminder of the bonds formed through shared experiences — whether in war or health battles. Audience members praised the veteran’s courage in speaking so candidly about both his past service and health history. Many expressed admiration for his ability to uplift the King and others present with a sense of hope and endurance. Social media reactions later in the day were flooded with tributes to the veteran, applauding his sincerity and the strength of spirit shown by King Charles in appearing publicly despite his ongoing treatment.
A moment that resonated across generations
Though thousands of veterans have shared their testimony at remembrance events over the years, Captain Abbas’s address stood out for its deeply human and spontaneous nature. The directness of his message transformed a moment of remembrance into one of connection and encouragement. Through a few unscripted words, Abbas highlighted themes of perseverance, loyalty, and royal duty in a way that touched not only the King and Queen but also countless others watching across the country.
As the ceremony concluded, the veteran’s message about surviving cancer and supporting one another lingered as a powerful footnote to the day’s commemorations, blending a look back at history with an acknowledgment of the present.
