Crowds have lined the streets of London this morning to witness the powerful display of remembrance as thousands of veterans stand in Whitehall for the Royal British Legion’s march past the Cenotaph.
The solemn ceremony was held after a two-minute silence was observed in the heart of Whitehall and at war memorials in villages, towns and cities across the country.
Among the crowds gathered along the barriers on Whitehall, military veterans proudly displayed their medals, while others stood nearby, ready to participate in the Royal British Legion march past the memorial.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer honoured the fallen on behalf of the Government with his floral tribute, as did Kemi Badenoch, the new leader of the Conservative Party, along with other party leaders, senior Cabinet members, military chiefs of staff, and high commissioners.
Crowds have lined the streets of London this morning to witness the powerful display of remembrance as thousands of veterans stand in Whitehall for the Royal British Legion’s march past the CenotaphPAStanding close to the Cenotaph were an unprecedented eight former prime ministers: Sir John Major, Sir Tony Blair, Gordon Brown, Lord Cameron, Baroness May, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer are also among the politicians watching the Remembrance Sunday service from a balcony at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
Only the heads of parties with six or more seats in Parliament, plus the leaders of the largest party from each of the devolved nations, lay a wreath at the Cenotaph during the service.
Reform has five MPs and the Greens have four.
Veterans can be seen wearing medals to honour their fallen comrades
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At 11am, Big Ben chimed, signalling the beginning of a nationwide two-minute silence.
A cannon blast from the Horse Guards Parade followed as the poignant sound of a bugler played the Last Post.
Remembrance services are taking place in towns and cities across the UK, with some of the largest gatherings anticipated in Belfast, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Plymouth, Liverpool, and Manchester.
In Belfast, a historic moment is expected as Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill joins the official ceremony—the first time a senior Sinn Féin representative will participate in the main Remembrance Sunday service.
While Sinn Féin politicians have laid wreaths at the Belfast Cenotaph in past years, they have previously refrained from attending the main Sunday ceremony.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Tory leader Kemi Badenoch have joined the commemorations as the politicians pay their respects
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Charles wore military dress, as did the other royals, and after laying his wreath he saluted in his greatcoat worn over his uniform of an Admiral of the fleet, with a sword by his side
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Kate joined Charles and the Prince of Wales at the Royal British Legion’s Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday evening but missing from the events was the Queen, who is recovering from a chest infection.
Charles wore military dress, as did the other royals, and after laying his wreath he saluted in his greatcoat worn over his uniform of an Admiral of the fleet, with a sword by his side.