Remembrance Sunday: King Charles leads silence at Cenotaph as nation commends war dead

King Charles has led the nation in a two minute silence to remember the servicemen and women who died in past conflicts.

The national two-minute silence was held at 11am today (Sunday, November 13), as royals, politicians and faith leaders attended the National Remembrance Service at the Cenotaph.

Parliament’s clock tower, Big Ben, marked its official return to use by tolling the silence.

The service was led by the Bishop of London and marked the first Remembrance Sunday service since the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September.

Members of the royal family, prime minister Rishi Sunak and Labour leader Keir Starmer were among those who laid wreaths to honour those who have lost their lives in warfare.

Around 10,000 Royal British Legion (RBL) veterans marched past the Cenotaph to pay tribute to their fallen comrades who have died in conflicts since the First World War.

An estimated 10,000 members of the public lined Whitehall to watch the service.

Those marching included bereaved relatives, 100-year-old Second World War veterans and those who served in recent conflicts including in Afghanistan, and the Falklands War.

The service was also broadcast live on BBC One, Sky and ITV as well as on YouTube.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak 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, 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.”

Culture Secretary Michelle Donelan said: “Remembrance Sunday gives us the chance to come together to remember all those who have fought for the freedoms we enjoy today.

“This year’s service is particularly poignant as we think of our friends and allies in Ukraine.”

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.”

He added: “We must never forget those who gave their lives in defence of our values and great nation.

“All of us will also be thinking of those brave Ukrainians fighting for their very own survival to defend freedom and democracy for all, just as UK and Commonwealth soldiers did.”

Philippa Rawlinson, RBL director of remembrance, said: “As we come together, we pay tribute to her late majesty the Queen, our patron of 70 years and longest serving commander-in-chief of the British military.”

She added: “The Queen was dedicated to duty and epitomised the service and commitment shown by our armed forces, thousands of whom will march past the Cenotaph where she laid her wreaths.

“Her deep bond with the military lives on with his majesty the King and the royal family.”

Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, head of the armed forces, said Remembrance Sunday held further poignancy following the death of the late Queen.

He said: "She represented duty and service, but also that dignity of that wartime generation and all they sacrificed for our freedom.

“And I think there's the additional poignancy that once again we have war in Europe."

He added it was important to also acknowledge the sacrifice in post-world war conflicts, saying: “There is a continual commitment and sacrifice in order to preserve our freedom, our self determination, the values we cherish."