King Charles leads royals at moving Remembrance Sunday service as Rishi Sunak lays poppy wreaths – Daily Mail
By Elizabeth Haigh For Mailonline
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King Charles III has led a morning of moving tributes to the British Armed Forces as he laid a wreath as monarch for the first time at the Cenotaph – after the nation fell silent to honour those killed since World War One.
A two-minute silence took place across the UK at 11am and wreaths were laid by members of the royal family, senior politicians and faith representatives at the Cenotaph in London.
Dignitaries were pictured arriving at the event, as Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has left Downing Street with his wife to attend the event. Labour Leader sir Keir Starmer also arrived. Senior politicians including Suella Braverman, Penny Mordaunt and London Mayor Sadiq Khan have all been pictured solemnly joining the 11am ceremony.
Parades and services are being held around the country, with Charles taking the lead at the Cenotaph, accompanied by members of the armed forces and leading politicians. The emotional service ended with a rendition of God Save The King.
The government has announced free rail transport is available to all veterans today to allow them to attend services more easily amid the cost of living crisis. King Charles was visibly emotional as he was forced to compose himself before laying his wreath.
Charles laid a new poppy wreath incorporating a ribbon of his racing colours, with the design a tribute to the ones used by both his late mother and his grandfather George VI.
Big Ben chimed eleven times at 11am, as it returns to service after years of maintenance and repair.
As Charles leads the nation at the Cenotaph for the first time as King, the service is a poignant moment for the royal family. On Friday, the late Queen and her commitment to war veterans was remembered in an evening attended by members of the royal family including the Prince and Princess of Wales and Princess Anne.
Today’s service also marks the 40th anniversary of the war in the Falklands, in which 255 British personnel lost their lives. Similar services were held across the country, including at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.
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King Charles III salutes the Cenotaph after laying his wreath as monarch for the first time, taking over from his late mother
The King was clearly emotional as he stepped into the role the late Queen Elizabeth II counted as one of her most important public duties
King Charles III led other members of the royal family, including the Prince of Wales and Princess Royal, out to attend the Cenotaph service
The Prince of Wales was the second person to lay a wreath at the Cenotaph, which bore the feathers of the heir apparent
The Queen Consort (left), Camilla, and Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, stand on the Whitechapel balcony to watch the ceremony
It was not the first time King Charles has led Prince William (left) and Princess Anne (right) to the ceremony – but it is the first time he has done so as a monarch
A wreath is carefully laid at today’s cenotaph, the first in the reign of King Charles III
Sophie, Countess of Wessex and wife of Prince Edward, attends the ceremony from the spouse’s balcony alongside Kate Middleton and the Queen Consort
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak bowed his head after laying his wreath in a mark of respect for those who lost their lives
The Princess of Wales (left) and Queen Consort watch on and join in the emotional service, the first since the death of the late Elizabeth II
Prince Edward, Duke of Kent (left) and Prince Timothy Laurence (right) watch the ceremony to honour the war-dead on Sunday
Sir Keir Starmer looks solemnly at the other wreaths as he steps forward to lay his down on behalf of the Labour Party
The Prince and Princess of Wales arrive at the service at the Cenotaph, at which Prince William laid a wreath
Flowers and tributes across the UK and its overseas territories paid tribute to those lost in the Falklands war on its 40th anniversary
Kate Middleton looks reflective and the picture of grace ahead of today’s Remembrance service, which featured prayers and hymns
Ian Blackford, Keir Starmer and Rishi Sunak (L-R) hold their wreaths in preparation as they wait for the arrival of King Charles III
Seven former Prime Ministers lined up at the Cenotaph on Sunday, the most ever to watch the current PM lay his wreath
Huge crowds gathered along the streets of Westminster to watch the military parade on Sunday morning
Prince William laid his wreath, featuring the new Welsh red ribbon, on the left-hand side of his father’s, before bowing his head respectfully during the ceremony
People from all walks of life were involved in Remembrance Sunday, from religious leaders to Scout organisations
(Left to right) British former Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair’s wife Cherie Blair, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s his wife Akshata Murty, British former Prime Minister Theresa May’s husband Philip May and British former Prime Minister Liz Truss’ husband Hugh O’Leary attend the Remembrance Sunday ceremony
The Cenotaph in London, pictured moments before the arrival of King Charles III and the two-minute silence
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Crowds lined the streets of London, with war veterans including Chelsea Pensioners preparing to take part in the march.
At around 10:40am, the march past the Cenotaph paused temporarily while Scottish members of the UK’s armed forces, the Fourth Battalion of Highlanders, played the bagpipes, accompanied by drums.
At 10.58am, the military parade was brought to attention as King Charles III arrived.
Big Ben rang eleven times to mark the beginning of the two minutes of silence, and a somber hush fell over the crowd.
After the two minutes of prayer and reflection had ended, in an emotional tribute to those killed during the wars of the last century, members of the military played the Last Post.
King Charles III then laid his wreath and saluted to the Cenotaph on behalf of the nation. A wreath was then laid on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen Consort.
The Queen Consort’s assistant equerry, Captain Edward Andersen, laid her tribute, the first laid on behalf of Camilla alone.
The Prince of Wales then proceeded to lay his wreath, complete with the feathers of the heir apparent. This was the wreath previously laid by his father. The wreath, bearing the colours of the Prince of Wales, also bears a brand-new ribbon in Welsh red.
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Deputy Labour Party leader Angela Rayner leading a parade for Remembrance Sunday in Ashton-under-Lyne, Tameside, Greater Manchester on Sunday
A veteran was brought to tears during the Remembrance Sunday service at at the National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas, Staffordshire
First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon lays a wreath during a Remembrance Sunday service and parade in Edinburgh
A national service of remembrance is held in Edinburgh, Scotland under clear skies on Sunday
Wreaths at Edinburgh’s Stone of Remembrance from various government, forces and citizen’s organisations
Members of staff from the National Memorial Arboretum as well as members of the military lay wreaths after the Remembrance Sunday service in Staffordshire
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Members of the public take in the National Memorial Arboretum, which bears the names of those lost in conflict
Veterans and serving members of the Armed Forces parade at the Royal Naval Memorial at the Plymouth Hoe in Devon
Veterans on mobility scooters, some carrying wreaths, gather on The Mall in London before the start of the military parade
Those marching in Sunderland were saluted by others in military uniform watching the march, alongside the Mayor, Alison Smith (left)
Birmingham also held a large military parade today in the West Midlands, which included ex-service personnel, regular, reserve and cadet units from the Armed Forces
Some 10,000 veterans and military personnel are involved in today’s march in London, which ended at the Cenotaph
The UK and Ukrainian flags both flew at Remembrance events in Seaham, County Durham on Sunday
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King Charles and the Prince of Wales lay wreaths at the Cenotaph
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Royal Family members sing along during Remembrance Day concert
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King Charles’ wreath had a ribbon which was a tribute to his mother and grandfather, incorporating their racing colours of purple and gold
Today’s ceremony was an emotional moment for the royal family, as it represented a passing of the baton after the death of Queen Elizabeth I
Big Ben struck 11 bells at 11am
Big Ben was struck 11 times at 11am to mark the start of the two-minute silence on Remembrance Sunday.
Over the past five years the Elizabeth Tower, and the clockwork and bell mechanism within it, have undergone the biggest repair and conservation project in its 160-year history.
The tower, at the northern end of the Houses of Parliament, which is also known as Big Ben after the bell inside, had been covered in scaffolding during the restoration work but that has now been removed.
The two-minute silence marked the official return of the Elizabeth Tower’s bells after they were silenced at the beginning of the conservation programme in 2017.
Big Ben joined bells across the country and worldwide to commemorate those who lost their lives in the two world wars and later conflicts.
The Earl of Wessex and Princess Royal then laid a wreath, before one was laid on behalf of the Duke of Kent.
The military parade then stood at ease as music played and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer led the rest of the wreath-laying. They were followed by leader of the SNP Ian Blackford and leader of the Lib Dems Ed Davey, and military representatives.
A short service including a hymn and the Lord’s Prayer was then led by the Lord Bishop of London, Dame Sarah Elisabeth Mullally. She has held the role since 2018.
The 10,000 veterans then began filing past the memorial after the final wreaths had been laid by those affected by military losses.
PM Rishi Sunak shared a video paying his respects to war veterans on Twitter, adding: ‘On this day and every day, we will remember them.’
Sir Keir Starmer said: We will never forget those who made the ultimate sacrifice to keep us safe. We will remember them.’
The day was marked around the UK, with services also taking place at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire and the WW1 Memorial in Portsmouth, and other local memorials in all four nations.
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace, speaking to broadcasters in Westminster, said: ‘Today is a reminder that we’ve suffered wars in Europe before and tens of thousands of British service personnel gave their lives as a civilian to defeat fascism.
‘Here we are again, tragically, decades later with a war on continental Europe in Ukraine, where a similar Russian regime is trying to impose its will on a sovereign state, costing tens of thousands of lives.
‘And, of course, what remembrance is about is recognising that freedom isn’t free – people make sacrifices and this nation made the ultimate sacrifice on two occasions in the great wars, but also (in) other conflicts, and remembrance is a time to reflect on that.’
Speaking about the King, Mr Wallace said: ‘I think he will obviously remember his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, because … for him, he’s been standing at this cenotaph for many, many years alongside her and, obviously, he is now the new monarch of this country.
‘I think he’ll reflect that she gave her service to the very end, she never stopped being the sovereign, she didn’t abdicate and all these other things that people used to speculate on. She was married to this country and her duty.’
Wreaths are laid at Sunderland’s war memorial after the two-minute silence was observed by those in attendance
Wreaths at the Royal Naval Memorial in Plymouth, Devon – the walls bear the names of those in the Royal Navy who have been lost in past conflicts
Service personnel and veterans from across Sunderland joined the Mayor of Sunderland, Councillor Alison Smith, as the city paid its respects at the annual Remembrance Parade and Service at the War Memorial in Burdon Road
Veterans amass on a chilly but dry morning in London as they get ready to march to the Cenotaph in the first Remembrance Sunday led by King Charles III
A Chelsea pensioner prepares to take part in today’s emotional Remembrance Day service, complete with a poppy-adorned blanket
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty leave 10 Downing Street as they head towards the Cenotaph
Labour leader Keir Starmer in Downing Street, London, photographed ahead of the Remembrance Sunday service
Former Prime Ministers Liz Truss and Boris Johnson appear to eye each other up as they pay their respects to the UK’s fallen
Some 10,000 veterans marched past the Cenotaph, watched by crowds which were ten-deep in some places
Hundreds of people arriving in and around Westminster as final preparations for the parade and service get underway
Current members of the British Armed Forces attend the parade in London ahead of two minutes of silence at 11am
The armed forces are watched as they parade past the Cenotaph by veterans and members of the public gathered for the occasion
Some 10,000 veterans are to take part in today’s march, making it one of the largest regular gatherings of Veterans in the UK
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan (left) and Ian Blackford (right) approach Downing Street ahead of the service at 11am
Former PM Liz Truss (left) and former PM Boris Johnson (right) arrive in central London ahead of today’s remembrance service
Chelsea Pensioners arrive to form up at Horse Guards Parade as they prepare to march along Whitehall for the Remembrance Sunday service
Her late Majesty regarded Remembrance Sunday as one of the most important royal duties and missed it only a handful of times
Many veterans arrived either in uniform or proudly wearing their service medals on their chest, alongside ordinary members of the public
As well as the King and Queen Consort, many members of the royal family were in attendance this morning.
This includes the Prince and Princess of Wales, Princess Anne and Prince Edward and the Countess of Wessex.
Numerous former Prime Ministers including Liz Truss, Boris Johnson, Theresa May, David Cameron and Tony Blair were also there.
Speaker of the House of Commons Sir Lindsay Hoyle laid a wreath on behalf of the entire House of Commons.
The Remembrance Sunday ceremony has added poignancy this year as it is the 40th anniversary of the Falklands War, with former veterans marching past the Cenotaph.
Retired Brigadier Jon Mullin, who served as a Lieutenant in the 9 Parachute Squadron Royal Engineers during the conflict, is marching with South Atlantic Medal Association 82.
Reflecting on the sacrifices made to liberate the Falklands, he said: ‘I wanted to be part of a national commemoration to commemorate all those people who did this wonderful feat of arms and put it all together, and many have passed on in the intervening years.
‘I think it’s important that the nation doesn’t forget the sacrifices.’
The last Labour Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, arrives looking solemn to pay his respects to those veterans lost in conflicts abroad
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Sophie Wessex is stylish in black as she marks Remembrance Sunday
King Charles and the Prince of Wales lay wreaths at the Cenotaph
National anthem sung as King leads Cenotaph service for first time
Current and former Prime Ministers attend Remembrance Sunday service
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Royal Family members sing along during Remembrance Day concert
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Government ministers are among those arriving ahead of today’s 11am service, including (L-R) Chancellor Jeremy Hunt, Leader of the House of Commons Penny Mordaunt and Defence Secretary Ben Wallace
Veterans gather at Horse Guards Parade as they prepare to take part in the first Remembrance parade since the death of Queen Elizabeth II
Home Secretary Suella Braverman (left), former PM Theresa May (centre) and Cabinet Minister without portfolio Nadhim Zahawi (right) all attend today’s Remembrance service
Nicola Sturgeon has led tributes at what she called a ‘particularly poignant’ Remembrance Sunday event in Edinburgh as Scotland stood silent to remember the fallen.
The First Minister laid wreaths of poppies at the stone of remembrance outside the city chambers, the first such gathering since all Covid restrictions were lifted.
Members of the three branches of the Armed Forces marched down the Royal Mile before a short service took place outside the city chambers, led by Rev Calum MacLeod.
After the one o’clock gun was fired from Edinburgh Castle at 11am, a two-minute silence was observed.
Edinburgh’s lord provost Robert Aldridge laid a wreath of poppies on behalf of the city council, followed by the First Minister laying a wreath on behalf of the Scottish Government.
Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone placed a wreath on behalf of the Scottish Parliament, after which representatives from a number of other organisations came forward to lay wreaths.
Ahead of the event, the First Minister said it was important to remember those who made the ‘ultimate sacrifice’ to secure freedom.
She said: ‘I think it is particularly poignant that people are gathering together to remember in large numbers, in a way that hasn’t been possible for the last few years.
‘Remembrance has continued during Covid but, of course, these big-scale events have not been possible.’
She added: ‘There are very few now alive who remember first-hand the horrors of the Second World War.
‘But the importance of remembrance is as strong as ever.
‘Of course, this year we have seen the horror of a land war in Europe for the first time in many decades and that is a reminder of the horrors of war.’
The Scottish Government’s veteran minister, Keith Brown, has travelled to the Falkland Islands to attend a remembrance event.
The former Royal Marine is a veteran of the 1982 Falkands War.
Commemorations took place across Scotland on Sunday morning, including at Glasgow’s garden of remembrance at George Square.
Elsewhere, in Northern Ireland, Irish premier Micheal Martin and Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris attended a Remembrance ceremony in Enniskillen 35 years on from an IRA bomb at the event.
Eleven people died on the day of the attack at the town’s war memorial in 1987, with another victim dying years later having never woken from a coma.
It has become a recent tradition for the Taoiseach to attend the Enniskillen event, going back ten years.
In Belfast, Lord Caine represented the UK Government at the Cenotaph, with Irish cabinet minister Heather Humphreys also in attendance.
Hundreds gathered both inside and outside the grounds of Belfast City Hall to observe the wreath-laying ceremony.
Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris said he found attending the Remembrance event in Enniskillen ’emotional’.
‘Firstly, it’s Remembrance Sunday and it’s actually important just to remember those that are fallen, so we can actually walk around in a free society happily as we do,’ he said.
‘Secondly, in Enniskillen it’s the 35th anniversary of some really unbelievably tragic events and it was lovely actually down at the service where the community has come together in such a big number.
‘I’ve never been here for a Remembrance service before but obviously the last couple of years have been Covid affected, so the numbers have not been as big, and I actually found it quite emotional, to be quite frank, to remember back to news that actually had a massive imprint on my younger life.’
Taoiseach Micheal Martin said the attendance of Irish premiers in Enniskillen for the past 10 years reflected the spirit of the Good Friday Agreement.
‘This is the 10th anniversary of the Irish government first coming here to be at this ceremony and its the 35th anniversary of the Enniskillen bombing, a terrible atrocity which resulted in a shocking and needless loss of life,’ he said.
‘I’m always reminded when I come here of the families of those who lost their lives, the victims of that terrible bombing and the 60 people who were injured, and that brings home to me every time I’m here the absolute futility and immorality of acts like that.’
Of the 10-year tradition of Irish leaders attending Enniskillen, Mr Martin added: ‘It reflects the spirit of the Good Friday Agreement, which is about mutual understanding, it’s about reconciliation, understanding the loss of different communities of life and the terrible violence that was perpetrated on people which could never be justified, and can never be justified, and also I think in terms of our future that we learn to understand better, different traditions, different backgrounds on this island.
‘We seek mutual understanding between those two traditions and that really is the importance and the need to continue to meet, to continue to engage, and I’ve always found that to be the most effective way to build true sustainable peace, understanding and reconciliation on this island.’
In Scotland, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon laid wreaths at Edinburgh’s Stone of Remembrance in the first full-scale even since the coronavirus pandemic.
A military parade took place through the streets of the city and wreaths were then laid by government and other representatives.
The Scottish Government’s veteran minister, Keith Brown, has travelled to the Falkland Islands to attend a remembrance event.
The former Royal Marine is a veteran of the 1982 Falkands War.
The Queen, who died nine weeks ago at the age of 96, considered Remembrance Sunday, which commemorates the war dead, one of the most significant and important engagements in the royal calendar.
She first laid a wreath at the Cenotaph in 1945 when she was still a princess.
The nation’s longest-reigning monarch, who lived through the Second World War as a teenager and was head of the armed forces, only missed seven Cenotaph services during her reign, including in 2021 due to a back sprain.
A wreath will also be laid on the Queen Consort’s behalf for the first time as Camilla watches from the balcony of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office building.
Around 10,000 Royal British Legion veterans, representing 300 different Armed Forces and civilian organisations, are taking part in a march.
All UK veterans are entitled to free rail travel today in a bid to make it easier to attend services around the country.
Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: ‘We owe our freedoms to the brave men and women of our armed forces.
‘I hope this gesture of free rail travel will allow as many as possible to pay their respects at Remembrance Day services this Sunday.’
Ahead of today’s service, the Tower of London tweeted a photo of its sea of poppies from 2014, adding: ‘We will remember them’.
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Remembrance Sunday: How King and nation honoured the glorious dead
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Albanian protesters drape national flag around Churchill statue
Sophie Wessex is stylish in black as she marks Remembrance Sunday
King Charles and the Prince of Wales lay wreaths at the Cenotaph
National anthem sung as King leads Cenotaph service for first time
Current and former Prime Ministers attend Remembrance Sunday service
Dolly Parton is granted $100million by Jeff Bezos in award ceremony
Royal Family members sing along during Remembrance Day concert
Kate is sombre in black as she pays tribute to the late Queen
Kherson residents thank Ukrainian soldiers as invaders leave
The late Queen Elizabeth first laid a wreath at the Cenotaph in 1945, when she was still a Princess
Police had already closed roads and were manning the streets around Westminster as the city woke up this morning
Those wishing to attend this year’s Remembrance ceremony at the Cenotaph queue near Westminster Bridge around 8am on Sunday morning
The Cenotaph will be covered in wreaths by the end of today’s ceremony, with the royal family and politicians laying the first of many (Pictured: wreaths lie around the Cenotaph after the 2021 ceremony)
As well as serving members of the UK forces, there will be around 10,000 veterans parading past the Cenotaph on Sunday
The late Queen first commemorated Remembrance Sunday on November 11, 1945 – the first following World War II and before she acceded the throne. Pictured left to right: The Queen in 1954, 1985, 2015, paying her respects
King Charles has previously laid the wreath of the Prince of Wales and Heir Apparent, which was laid by Prince William this year
Lyrebird impersonates ‘evacuate now’ alarm at Sydney’s Taronga Zoo
Remembrance Sunday: How King and nation honoured the glorious dead
Massive sonic boom rips through Orlando night
Albanian protesters drape national flag around Churchill statue
Sophie Wessex is stylish in black as she marks Remembrance Sunday
King Charles and the Prince of Wales lay wreaths at the Cenotaph
National anthem sung as King leads Cenotaph service for first time
Current and former Prime Ministers attend Remembrance Sunday service
Dolly Parton is granted $100million by Jeff Bezos in award ceremony
Royal Family members sing along during Remembrance Day concert
Kate is sombre in black as she pays tribute to the late Queen
Kherson residents thank Ukrainian soldiers as invaders leave
A tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II is seen in the Women’s Royal Army Corp area of the 94th Field Of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey on November 11
Lyrebird impersonates ‘evacuate now’ alarm at Sydney’s Taronga Zoo
Remembrance Sunday: How King and nation honoured the glorious dead
Massive sonic boom rips through Orlando night
Albanian protesters drape national flag around Churchill statue
Sophie Wessex is stylish in black as she marks Remembrance Sunday
King Charles and the Prince of Wales lay wreaths at the Cenotaph
National anthem sung as King leads Cenotaph service for first time
Current and former Prime Ministers attend Remembrance Sunday service
Dolly Parton is granted $100million by Jeff Bezos in award ceremony
Royal Family members sing along during Remembrance Day concert
Kate is sombre in black as she pays tribute to the late Queen
Kherson residents thank Ukrainian soldiers as invaders leave
On Sunday, during the official Remembrance Day Service at the Cenotaph, the King will lay a new poppy wreath incorporating a ribbon of his racing colours; scarlet, purple and gold.
The design is a tribute to the wreaths laid by both his late mother and his grandfather, George VI.
As Charles leads the nation at the Cenotaph for the first time as King, the service will be a poignant moment for the royal family.
The Queen Consort will view the service from a balcony of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office building, and a wreath will be laid on her behalf.
Both wreaths will include handwritten cards bearing their new cyphers.
The late Queen first commemorated Remembrance Sunday on November 11, 1945 – the first following World War II and before she acceded the throne.
She was forced to miss last year due to spraining her back the morning of the event.
Buckingham Palace said in a statement: ‘The Queen, having sprained her back, has decided this morning with great regret that she will not be able to attend today’s Remembrance Sunday Service at the Cenotaph. Her Majesty is disappointed that she will miss the service.’
The late Queen only missed six other Cenotaph ceremonies during her 70-year reign: on four occasions when she was on overseas visits to Ghana in 1961, Brazil in 1968, Kenya in 1983 and South Africa in 1999.
She was not present during the 1959 and 1963 services as she was pregnant with her two youngest children.
They were joined by an estimated 10,000 members of the public who will line Whitehall to watch the service.
Among those marching was a 101-year-old Second World War veteran and those who served in recent conflicts including in Afghanistan.
To commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Falklands War, 400 members of the South Atlantic Medal Association also marched past the Cenotaph.
They were joined by bereaved family members with the youngest marcher aged eight.
Buckingham Palace confirmed the Prince and Princess of Wales, the Earl and Countess of Wessex, the Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, the Duke of Kent and Princess Alexandra attended the service on Sunday.
In 2017, Charles began placing a wreath on his mother’s behalf as she watched from the Foreign Office balcony.
The change was seen as a subtle shift of head-of-state duties.
Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin said there is a ‘special poignancy’ to Remembrance Sunday this year.
In an interview broadcast on Sky’s Sophy Ridge on Sunday programme, he said: ‘I think Remembrance Sunday is always poignant.
‘I think it’s poignant for the whole nation, this special moment when we pause to reflect on the sacrifice and commitment of others to provide our freedom today.
‘I think there’s a special poignancy this year with both the loss of Her Majesty, another loss of a Second World War veteran.
‘I also think it’s poignant when we have once again the spectre of war in Europe and all that that entails, and a country that’s been invaded and is fighting for its freedom.’
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak paid tribute to Ukraine’s ‘brave soldiers’ ahead of today’s service.
He said: ‘This year more than ever, we are reminded of the huge debt of gratitude we owe those who lay down their lives to protect their country.
‘As we fall silent together on Remembrance Sunday, we will honour the memories of the men and women we have lost and pay tribute to the brave soldiers of Ukraine as they continue their fight for freedom.’
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: ‘Remembrance Sunday is a time to reflect upon the sacrifices made by our veterans and service personnel on operations around the world.
‘We must never forget those who gave their lives in defence of our values and our great nation.
‘All of us will also be thinking of those brave Ukrainians who are fighting for their very own survival to defend freedom and democracy for all, just as the UK and Commonwealth soldiers did in both world wars.
‘Today, members of the UK Armed Forces at Cenotaph and around the world will come together to honour all those who came before them.’
The Royal British Legion’s Director of Remembrance, Philippa Rawlinson said: ‘As we come together on Remembrance Sunday, we pay tribute to Her Late Majesty The Queen, The Royal British Legion’s Patron of 70 years and longest serving Commander-in-Chief of the British military.
‘Her Late Majesty was dedicated to duty and epitomised the service and commitment shown by our Armed Forces community, thousands of who will march past the Cenotaph where she laid her wreath each year.
‘Her Late Majesty’s deep bond with the military lives on with His Majesty The King and The Royal Family. Similar Royal British Legion ceremonies will be uniting communities across the nation in Remembrance and today is an opportunity for us all to take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices of all those who serve, past and present.
Catherine, Princess of Wales, (L) Britain’s Prince William, Prince of Wales (2L), Britain’s King Charles III (2R) and Britain’s Camilla, Queen Consort (R) attend the annual Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall
Princess Kate was glowing in a tailored belted black blazer and flowing calf length skirt, with three poppies pinned to her collar. She wore her hair down with drop pearl earrings and a matching necklace
Prince William and King Charles chat fondly while attending the ceremony, which doubled as a tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth
Prince Edward and Sophie, Countess of Wessex stood and watched part of the service behind Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife
Meanwhile King Charles, the Queen Consort and senior members of the royal family gathered at the Royal Albert Hall to pay their respects at the annual Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance on Friday.
The event is one of a series the royals are attending to commemorate the nation’s war dead, ahead of today’s Remembrance Sunday ceremony at the Cenotaph in Whitehall.
The service doubled as a tribute to the late Queen and her contribution to the cause, as Royal British Legion patron, the longest serving Commander-in-Chief of the British Armed Forces and the former Subaltern Elizabeth Windsor; after rising through the ranks of the Auxiliary Territorial Service as a driver, mechanic and junior commander.
Her family – and the nation – watched on as archive footage of the former monarch was played at the Royal Albert Hall.
In one clip, the Queen spoke of the ‘tremendous contribution’ the Armed Forces made to Britain’s ‘standing and reputation’ during her reign.
‘When Prince Philip and I were married, Britain had just endured six years of war, emerging battered but victorious.
‘Prince Philip had served with the Royal Navy in the Far East while I was in the ATS learning to drive an ambulance with care.
‘The wartime generation – my generation – is resilient and it is with humility and pleasure on behalf of the entire country, indeed the whole free world, that I say to you all: thank you.’
Published by Associated Newspapers Ltd
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