King Charles leads Remembrance Sunday ceremony in London
King Charles presided over a two-minute silence and wreath-laying at the Cenotaph, while 10,000 veterans marched, including a record number of former prime ministers and the first Reform UK leader to participate.
King Charles led a two-minute silence on Remembrance Sunday in London, laying a wreath at the Cenotaph on Whitehall before a march-past of about 10,000 armed forces veterans. The ceremony was marked by the presence of nine former prime ministers, a record high, and the attendance of Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who was at the event in his capacity as the current occupant of No 10 Downing Street. For the first time, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage qualified to lay a wreath after his party secured enough MPs in Parliament.
The Prince of Wales, the Princess Royal, Queen Camilla and the Princess of Wales observed from a balcony, while military chiefs, senior politicians, diplomats and faith leaders stood behind railings along Whitehall. Among the flags flying on the nearby Foreign Office building was the Ukrainian blue and yellow, raised after Russia’s invasion.
The parade featured representatives of roughly 340 military and civilian groups, including the Royal Naval Association, the Royal Marines Association, Transport for London and the Royal National Lifeboat Institute. Participation by World War Two veterans continued to decline, with only 12 taking part this year, down from 20 last year; the oldest veteran was 105 years old.
"I feel very honoured to be taking part in the parade and to represent the Land Girls. I'm very excited, although a little apprehensive as I don't quite know what to expect," said 103-year-old Annie Duplock, a former Land Army member.
"I think it will be a very emotional day, bringing back memories of all those who didn't return home. It will be lovely to be there and remember them," Duplock added.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the event was a time to "reflect on the selflessness and courage it takes to commit your life to protecting others" and announced plans to address homelessness among ex-service personnel before Christmas.
Mark Atkinson, director general of the Royal British Legion, said: "As we come together on Remembrance Sunday, we pay tribute to all those who have served and sacrificed, from generations past to those still serving today."
The ceremony concluded with the striking of Big Ben, the two-minute silence, and the playing of the Last Post, providing a rare moment of calm in the capital.