battle of britain
The Queen and other members of the Royal family witnessed a special flypast to mark the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain Reuters

The Queen celebrated the 75<sup>th anniversary of the Battle of Britain by witnessing a spectacular spitfire flypast above Buckingham Palace.

Her Majesty, the Duke of Edinburgh and other members of the royal family watched a special flypast on 10 July involving four Spitfires and two Hurricanes showcasing the aircraft that protected the UK during the Second World War and also now.

The commemorative day will also include an enhanced Changing of the Guard performed by the Queen's Colour Squadron.

There will be a reception and lunch later on 10 July at the RAF Club in Piccadilly, which will be attended by other members of the royal family including the Duke of Cambridge and the Earl and Countess of Wessex.

The six remaining RAF Battle of Britain pilots and the squadron commanders of Battle of Britain squadrons still serving in the RAF will also be present.

The RAF shot down 14 German aircraft and severely damaged 23 more, according to the then Air Ministry. The Battle of Britain is regarded as one of the most significant assaults during the war and ultimately led to a Nazi defeat.

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