King Charles has one heartfelt wish after Prince Harry's bombshell interview, as Britain prepares to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day this week, sources have claimed. The King and Queen are said to be "looking forward" to the commemorations, taking place just days after Harry told the BBC his father will not speak to him and he does not know how much longer the King has left, and hope that "nothing will detract or distract" from the big celebration.

Harry, who is thousands of miles away in California, caused ructions with his lengthy interview on Friday in response to losing a Court of Appeal challenge over his security arrangements while in the UK. The duke, who appeared emotional and close to tears during much of the sit-down chat, described his court defeat as a "good old-fashioned establishment stitch-up" and expressed hopes of a reconciliation with his family.

But it is understood that, out of respect for the surviving veterans, Buckingham Palace hopes "nothing will detract or distract from celebrating with full cheer and proud hearts that precious victory and those brave souls, on this most special and poignant of anniversaries".

A Palace aide said on Sunday: "The King, Queen and other members of the Royal Family are much looking forward to all the week's VE Day events.

"They will unite with the rest of the nation and those across the Commonwealth and wider world in celebrating, commemorating and giving thanks to the wartime generation whose selfless devotion to duty and service should stand as an enduring example to us all - and must never be forgotten."

Charles and Camilla will lead the nation and put on a united front with the Prince and Princess of Wales and other members of the Royal Family this week, with events beginning today with a military procession through central London.

Veterans and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will join senior royals on a platform on the Queen Victoria Memorial in front of Buckingham Palace to watch the procession later today.

Members of the Royal Family are expected to appear on the palace balcony to watch the RAF flypast before the King and Queen host a tea party for veterans and members of the Second World War generation.

Charles and Camilla, joined by other royals, will attend a thanksgiving service with veterans at Westminster Abbey on May 8 to mark the day of the anniversary.

In the evening, the royal couple will be at Horse Guards Parade for a celebratory concert.