VJ Day 2020: Prince Philip makes rare appearance in veterans photo-montage to mark 75 years since end of Second World War

The Duke of Edinburgh served as a Royal Navy officer during the Second World War

The Duke of Edinburgh has made a rare appearance for VJ Day, appearing in a photo montage of veterans who served in the Far East during the Second World War.

In 2017, Prince Philip, then 97 years old, retired from royal duties.

He has since been seen in public on a handful of occasions, the most recent time being in July when he attended a ceremony at Windsor Castle to pass on his role as colonel-in-chief of the Rifles to the Duchess of Cornwall.

Saturday 15 August marks the 75th anniversary of VJ Day – otherwise known as Victory over Japan Day – which signalled the end of the Second World War.

To mark the occasion, a photo montage has been created showing veterans at the time of the Second World War compared to now.

Prince Philip features among the veterans, having served as a Royal Navy officer during the Second World War.

On the day Japanese officials signed their surrender to the Allied forces on board the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay, the duke’s warship HMS Whelp was moored neighbour.

The 99-year-old has previously said that the ceremony could be watched from his warship through binoculars.

The "then and now" photo montage is being broadcast on big screens across the country, including in Piccadilly Circus, London.

Earlier today, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall led a two-minute silence at 11am to commemorate VJ Day.

(Twitter (Royal British Legion, @PoppyLegion) (Twitter (Royal British Legion, @PoppyLegion))

The Queen released a special statement in honour of the day, expressing her gratitude to “those who fought so valiantly”.

Today we mark the 75th anniversary of VJ Day, which brought victory for the Allies and finally marked the end of the Second World War,” the monarch said.

“Those of us who remember the conclusion of the Far East campaign, whether on active service overseas, or waiting for news at home, will never forget the jubilant scenes and overwhelming sense of relief.”

The Queen added that “amongst the joy” at the culmination of the Second World War was “terrible devastation” and “the cost borne by so many”.

“Prince Philip and I join many around the world in sending our grateful thanks to the men and women from across the Commonwealth, and Allied nations, who fought so valiantly to secure the freedoms we cherish today.”

The 94-year-old ended her statement by saying: “May the memory of their sacrifice and bravery remain with us always.”