The Royal Family demonstrated a strong front during the 80th anniversary commemorations of VE Day, a series of events that culminated in a Service of Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey and a concert in London's Horse Guards Parade. Despite concerns that Prince Harry's recent comments might overshadow the occasion, the family's collective participation, including a surprise appearance by Prince William and Princess Kate's children, underscored their unity and commitment to honoring the sacrifices of World War II veterans.

The Duchess of Gloucester, Birgitte, showcased royal etiquette with a perfect curtsy to King Charles and Queen Camilla during the VE Day thanksgiving service. This gesture, a hallmark of royal protocol, was observed as the senior royals departed Westminster Abbey. The event also highlighted the order of precedence among the royals, with the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and the Duke of Kent seated first, followed by other members of the royal family, culminating in the arrival of the King and Queen.

Queen Camilla and Princess Kate made a striking statement in matching white outfits at the service, effectively dispelling rumors of any discord between them. Their coordinated appearance, along with the inclusion of personal touches such as Princess Kate wearing earrings that belonged to the late Princess Diana, added a layer of personal significance to the public commemoration. The handwritten notes on wreaths by Prince William and Princess Catherine, and King Charles III, further personalized the tribute to the war's fallen heroes.

The week's events not only celebrated the historical significance of VE Day but also showcased the Royal Family's ability to present a united front in the face of potential distractions. The participation of multiple generations of royals, from the King and Queen to the youngest members of the family, emphasized the continuity and enduring relevance of the monarchy in contemporary society. The careful observance of traditions, combined with personal gestures of remembrance, highlighted the family's dual role as custodians of national memory and as individuals with their own connections to history.

Shed Seven, the Yorkshire Britpop legends, have announced a special one-off summer 2026 performance at Halifax's Piece Hall to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their landmark 1996 album 'A Maximum High'. The band will deliver a full album performance followed by a second set of greatest hits during the Live At The Piece Hall concert series on June 6. This Halifax date will represent Shed Seven's only headline show of summer 2026, making it a particularly significant event for both the band and their dedicated fanbase.

The anniversary concert will feature special guest performances from Seb Lowe and The Guest List, adding to the celebratory atmosphere. Tickets for this exclusive event are scheduled to go on general sale at 10am on Friday, October 24, available through major ticketing platforms including Ticketmaster, Live Nation, and the Piece Hall's official website. The band's return to the Halifax venue follows their previous 2021 performance at the historic courtyard, establishing a continuing relationship with the West Yorkshire location.

'A Maximum High' represented a defining moment in Shed Seven's career, reaching the UK top 10 and selling more than 250,000 copies while spawning five Top 40 singles. Band frontman Rick Witter expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming celebration, stating the band is 'looking forward to giving A Maximum High the birthday party it deserves' and noting particular excitement about 'revisiting some of the songs we haven't played for decades.' The event promises to attract fans from across the country for what organizers describe as a 'one night only' celebratory event.

Shed Seven joins a diverse lineup of artists scheduled for the 2026 Live At The Piece Hall series, including Embrace, Ethel Cain, David Gray, Billy Ocean, Opeth and The Ks. The band's upcoming schedule also includes appearances at the Isle Of Wight Festival in June, featuring headliners Lewis Capaldi, Calvin Harris and The Cure, followed by a supporting performance for Richard Ashcroft at Englefield Estate in Berkshire as part of the Heritage Live series in July. Nicky Chance-Thompson MBE DL, CEO of The Piece Hall Charitable Trust, emphasized the significance of hosting these 'Yorkshire heroes' back at the venue for this milestone celebration.