LONDON (AFP).- Britain's Queen Elizabeth II led commemorations Saturday marking the 70th anniversary of VJ Day, joining veterans and former prisoners of war for a service in London.

Under a heavy security presence, crowds lined the central London streets to watch the events on big screens and cheer on veterans as the country remembered the Victory over Japan, which ended World War II.

Later, the heir to the throne Prince Charles was the guest of honour for a special event which began with a flypast of four historic aircraft, including a Spitfire and a Hurricane.

The commemoration included a service and a wreath-laying ceremony, special readings, and hymns sung by a male voice choir.

Renowned British actor Charles Dance -- star of "Game of Thrones" -- also read Rudyard Kipling's poem "The Road to Mandalay", which, when put to music, was a favourite marching tune for British soldiers fighting against the Japanese in Burma, under the commanded of Field Marshal William Slim.

"When the Second World War ended in Europe... British and Commonwealth military personnel and civilians in the Far East were still at war, still on the frontline and still in prisoner of war camps," said Dance.

After the event, veterans, former prisoners and their descendants joined current personnel in walking to Parliament Square and Westminster Abbey –- passing the statue of Slim -- led by pipes and drums.

"This major anniversary is a time to recognise the sacrifices made by those who lost their lives, the veterans who fought, and the prisoners of war and civilian internees who suffered for their country," said Defence Secretary Michael Fallon.

"I would urge the nation to attend the many events up and down the country 70 years on from the victory in Japan."

Around 97,000 British and Commonwealth troops died fighting against imperial Japan in the Far East.



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