To celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE Day, 107-year-old former bomber pilot Harry Richardson DFC was present at the concert which took place to mark the event.

Harry had the honour of sitting next to their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla with his daughter Penny by his side and also had conversations with the Prince and Princess of Wales ahead of the concert.

During the event, portions of Harry’s letters to his wife and daughters were shared, accompanied by touching images of his loved ones on screen.

Harry was a bomber pilot during World War Two and was awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross for his bravery and his airmanship.

During his RAF career, Harry was posted to 149 Squadron flying Wellingtons. Upon completion of the tour he transferred to training bomber pilots, flying the Avro Anson.

Harry then moved to India and the Far East with 159 Squadron flying Liberators. At the end of the war, he assisted with the repatriation of prisoners of war.

Harry has been a member of the RAFA Ayr and Prestwick branch for 67 years and still attends the club’s social dance evenings on a Saturday night and now has an excellent story to tell at his next event!

King Charles III shakes hands with veteran Harry Richardson at the concert celebrating the 80th Anniversary of VE Day, held at the historic Horse Guards Parade in central London. Picture date: Thursday May 8, 2025.
WWII bomber pilot Harry Richardson, aged 107, from left, Britain's King Charles III and Queen Camilla attend a concert to mark the 80th Anniversary of V-E Day at Horse Guards Parade, London, Thursday May 8, 2025. (Chris Jackson/Pool via AP)
King Charles III and Harry Richardson during the concert celebrating the 80th Anniversary of VE Day, held at the historic Horse Guards Parade in central London. Picture date: Thursday May 8, 2025.