Watch: Veterans, Royals and politicians gather to honor fallen heroes at the prestigious Cenotaph Remembrance ceremony.
In a solemn gesture of national unity, King Charles led the nation in a poignant two minutes of silence, reflecting on the bravery and sacrifices of the men and women who lost their lives serving during the two world wars and in various other conflicts.
Tens of thousands of veterans, alongside civilian attendees, joined the King at the annual National Service of Remembrance, which took place at the iconic Cenotaph in central London, a hallowed site of remembrance and reflection.
The King was accompanied by other prominent members of the Royal Family, including the Prince and Princess of Wales, as well as several political leaders who also expressed their respects at this significant event.
Nationwide events, marking Remembrance Sunday—observed on the closest Sunday to Armistice Day—are taking place across the UK, uniting communities in remembrance.
The King meticulously laid the first wreath on behalf of the nation. Adorned in the distinguished Royal Navy uniform signifying his rank as Admiral of the Fleet, he executed a respectful salute after stepping back from the Cenotaph.
Following the King’s tribute, Queen Camilla’s equerry, Major Ollie Plunket, laid a wreath on her behalf, as she was currently recuperating from a chest infection.
The ceremony continued with Prince William, Prince Edward, Princess Anne, and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, along with other political leaders paying their respects by laying wreaths.
For the first time, Kemi Badenoch participated by laying a wreath, marking her inaugural Remembrance ceremony appearance following her recent election as the new leader of the Conservative Party.
Several representatives from the new Labour government were also present, including Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and Foreign Secretary David Lammy, indicating a bipartisan respect for the day’s significance.
The Princess of Wales observed the proceedings from a balcony at the Foreign Office, a customary position alongside the Duchess of Edinburgh, as they commemorated the occasion.
The weekend’s Remembrance events held special importance for Catherine, as they marked one of her first official appearances after undergoing recent cancer treatment.
Also watching from balconies were notable political figures, including Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer. It is tradition for only the heads of parties with six or more seats in Parliament, as well as leaders of the largest party from each of the devolved nations, to participate in wreath-laying.
Members of the armed forces, including World War II veterans, subsequently laid their wreaths, leading into a ceremonial march down Whitehall that took more than an hour to complete.
The extensive group, representing 326 different armed forces and civilian organizations, proudly marched past the Cenotaph, each carrying wreaths that were added to those already displayed.
The commemoration officially commenced at 11:00 AM, marked by the chime of Big Ben, signaling the start of two minutes of solemn silence, concluding with a cannon blast from Horse Guards Parade and the haunting sound of a bugler playing the Last Post.
Veterans attending the ceremony shared their heartfelt reflections about the significance of the day. “For me personally, I come here to remember my shipmates, Army veterans, Royal Air Force and Merchant Navy,” expressed naval veteran Henry Rice, highlighting the deep emotional resonance of the gathering.
Joe Randall, aged 101, reminisced, “Your mind goes back a bit as well, memories and talking to the old chaps like ourselves. It’s been a wonderful day.”
Most attendees were veterans of more recent conflicts. Iraq War veteran Karl Hinnett poignantly remarked, “Marching at the Cenotaph is a vital opportunity to recognize the journey we’ve undertaken and the sacrifices we’ve made.”
The event’s march past featured veterans in their respective military associations alongside charities and civilian organizations, all unified in their tribute.
Among those marching were 50 young representatives from Scotty’s Little Soldiers, a charity dedicated to supporting the children of fallen service members, contributing to the ceremony’s ongoing legacy.
Cerie Pallett, who lost her father RAF Sgt Oliver Pallett at the tender age of nine, carried a wreath for the charity, reflecting on how Scotty’s Little Soldiers had provided vital support to her and her sister during difficult times.
The tradition of having former prime ministers in attendance was upheld, with this occasion marking the unprecedented presence of eight in lineup, honoring their collectively shared experiences.
Across the UK, services were held in nearly every town and city, with some of the largest gatherings taking place in Belfast, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Plymouth, Liverpool, and Manchester.
In Belfast, Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill participated in the official ceremony, making her the first prominent Sinn Féin figure to do so, marking a historic moment.
In Cardiff, military personnel marched past the City Hall, continuing the tradition of honoring those who served and sacrificed at the Welsh National War Memorial in Cathays Park.
First Minister Eluned Morgan emphasized the enduring significance of the service of remembrance, reaffirming its importance in her address before the ceremony commenced.
In Glasgow, gatherings occurred at the war memorial in George Square, with Scottish First Minister John Swinney laying a wreath at the Stone of Remembrance in Edinburgh outside the City Chambers.
He remarked that these events serve as a poignant opportunity for generations of Scots to honor those “who paid the ultimate price” in various global conflicts.
The King, along with Prince William, Catherine, and senior royals, participated in the Festival of Remembrance held at the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday night, honoring the sacrifices made by service personnel.
Catherine gradually resumed her public duties following her cancer treatment earlier this year, participating in important ceremonies alongside her royal family members.
The King, who also recently underwent cancer treatment, received an enthusiastic standing ovation from the audience upon his arrival at the event.
Queen Camilla, however, was absent from this event and the subsequent ceremony at the Cenotaph, focusing on her recovery from a chest infection.
She watched the Remembrance proceedings on television from her Wiltshire home at Raymill, where she observed the two minutes’ silence in her own private moment of reflection.
It is anticipated that Queen Camilla will soon be well enough to return to her royal duties in the days ahead, continuing her important contributions to the monarchy.
Sunday’s commemorative events take place just a day before Armistice Day, which symbolizes the conclusion of World War One at 11:00 on the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, a moment etched in history.
Remembrance events are set to continue on Monday across the UK and allied nations, further honoring the sacrifices made by those in service.
As with Remembrance Sunday, Armistice Day is marked by two minutes of silence observed throughout the world as the clock strikes 11:00, fostering a collective moment of remembrance and gratitude.
**Interview with Veteran Henry Rice at the Cenotaph Remembrance Ceremony**
**Editor:** Joining us today is navy veteran Henry Rice, who attended the recent Cenotaph Remembrance Ceremony in London. Thank you for being here, Henry.
**Henry Rice:** Thank you for having me.
**Editor:** The ceremony was profoundly moving, marked by King Charles leading the two minutes of silence. What was that moment like for you?
**Henry Rice:** It’s hard to put into words. For me personally, I come here to remember my shipmates, as well as Army veterans and those from the Royal Air Force and Merchant Navy. The silence felt like a powerful gesture of unity and respect, not just for those we’ve lost but for the sacrifice that still resonates today.
**Editor:** That’s beautifully expressed. The event also featured representatives from both the royal family and political leaders. How important do you think it is for leaders to engage in this commemoration?
**Henry Rice:** It’s incredibly important. When you see the King and other leaders paying their respects, it sends a strong message about the value of remembrance. It bridges the gap between generations and shows that we all stand together in honor of those who have fought for our freedoms.
**Editor:** This year, you also witnessed a significant presence of younger veterans and families, including children who lost parents in service. How does this impact the atmosphere at such ceremonies?
**Henry Rice:** Seeing young people, like those from Scotty’s Little Soldiers, reminds us that the legacy of sacrifice lives on. It’s heartwarming to see them carrying wreaths and participating. It not only honors their parents but also allows them to share in this experience, ensuring that future generations understand the significance of service and sacrifice.
**Editor:** The weekend’s events also extended beyond London, with services held in nearly every town and city. How does that widespread participation affect the national mood on Remembrance Sunday?
**Henry Rice:** It creates a strong sense of community and continuity. When towns across the UK come together to remember, it reinforces that we’re all part of something bigger. People from different backgrounds united in remembrance highlight the shared values we hold for peace and sacrifice.
**Editor:** Thank you for sharing those insights, Henry. Your perspective adds a personal touch to this national remembrance.
**Henry Rice:** Thank you. It’s an honor to participate and remember those who served on behalf of all of us.
