The official end of the conflict in Europe was 8 May 1945. VE ('Victory in Europe’) Day was celebrated in the streets of London with large crowds gathering at Buckingham Palace, calling for the King to come out onto the balcony. In all, the Royal Family made eight balcony appearances during the day. After this photograph was taken, the Princesses were allowed to walk unnoticed through the streets around the Palace. They were in the crowds when the King and Queen made a final appearance on the balcony.