King Charles III will lead the United Kingdom in a solemn two-minute silence at 11:00 GMT today during the National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph in central London.
The monarch will lay a wreath at the Whitehall monument to honour those who gave their lives in wars and military conflicts. Joining him at the ceremony will be senior members of the Royal Family, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, and other political leaders.
Thousands are expected to gather in London for the annual commemoration, with more than 10,000 veterans set to take part in the Royal British Legion’s march-past. Among them will be around 20 surviving World War II veterans, including 101-year-old Donald Poole, who served in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps.
“It is a great honour to pay tribute to the poor souls who have died in all conflicts,” Poole said. “I know how lucky I am to still be here, thanks to all those who have fought and served.”
Across the UK, similar services will take place in cities including Edinburgh, Cardiff, and Belfast. In Scotland, First Minister John Swinney is expected to attend the service in the capital, while political party leaders such as Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and Lib Dem leader Ed Davey will lay wreaths in London.
Remembrance Sunday is traditionally held on the nearest Sunday to 11 November, the date that marked the end of World War I in 1918. This year’s events carry added significance as the country also reflects on the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.
Prime Minister Starmer said the nation pauses to honour the sacrifices made by generations of service personnel.
“We reflect on the extraordinary courage of our armed forces in the world wars and subsequent conflicts, whose service secured the freedoms we cherish today,” he said.
On Saturday evening, the Royal Family, including Queen Camilla, Princess Catherine, and Prince George, attended the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall. The concert marked 25 years since the military lifted its ban on LGBT personnel and included tributes to those who faced discrimination while serving.
It was believed to be Prince George’s first appearance at the annual event. He was seated next to his mother, the Princess of Wales, who wore a poppy crafted from silk, glass, and natural fibres.
Notably absent was Prince William, who is returning from Brazil after attending the COP30 UN climate summit and visiting conservation projects in the Amazon region.
Earlier in the year, King Charles and other royals took part in events marking the 80th anniversaries of Victory in Europe (VE) Day and Victory over Japan (VJ) Day, both key moments in the conclusion of World War II.
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