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King Charles III leads national tribute at Cenotaph
King Charles III led the United Kingdom in a two-minute silence at 11:00 GMT on Sunday during the National Service of Remembrance at London's Cenotaph, honoring those lost in conflict. The monarch laid a wreath at the monument as part of the annual ceremony, marking the closest Sunday to Armistice Day, which commemorates the end of World War I on November 11, 1918.
Nationwide observances and veterans' march
Ceremonies unfolded across the UK, including in Edinburgh, Belfast, and Cardiff. In London, around 10,000 armed forces veterans participated in the Royal British Legion's march-past through Whitehall, joined by approximately 20 World War II veterans. The arrival of the aging WWII veterans drew warm applause from onlookers, underscoring the dwindling number of survivors from that era.
Crowds lined Whitehall and gathered near Downing Street, where Scout groups distributed orders of service. The event also included political leaders, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, and Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey laying wreaths. Scottish First Minister John Swinney attended the Edinburgh service.
Royal Family and political leaders unite in remembrance
The King was accompanied by senior royals, including the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Edinburgh. Princess Anne, currently in Australia, attended a separate service at Sydney's Anzac Memorial. Ahead of the events, Starmer stated the nation would pause "to honor all those who have served our country," reflecting on the "extraordinary courage" of armed forces in both world wars and later conflicts.
80th anniversary of WWII's end and veteran tributes
This year's Remembrance Sunday coincides with the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. Donald Poole, a 101-year-old veteran of the Royal Army Ordnance Corps, marched with the Burma Star Memorial Fund. "It is a great honor to pay tribute to those who died in all conflicts," he said. "I know how lucky I am to still be here thanks to all who have fought and served."
Festival of Remembrance precedes Sunday's ceremonies
On Saturday evening, the King attended the Festival of Remembrance at London's Royal Albert Hall, joined by Prince George, Queen Camilla, and Catherine, Princess of Wales. The 12-year-old prince, believed to be attending the annual concert for the first time, sat beside his mother. The event featured a fanfare as royals entered to commemorate service members who lost their lives.
Earlier commemorations
This year also saw events marking the 80th anniversaries of VE Day (Victory in Europe) and VJ Day (Victory over Japan). In May, the King and senior royals oversaw a military procession in London, followed by an RAF flypast over Buckingham Palace.
