London Remembrance Sunday: King leads the nation in silence as 10,000 veterans march past the Cenotaph

The United Kingdom marked its annual Remembrance Sunday on November 8, with the King laying a wreath at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, London, and leading the nation in a two-minute silence to remember those who fell and suffered in the First World War armistice and all other conflicts involving British and Commonwealth forces. About 10,000 veterans then took part in the Royal British Legion's March Past, watched by around 10,000 members of the public along Whitehall. The ceremony was broadcast live by the BBC, ITV and Sky News. (Photo: file photo of Queen Elizabeth II laying a wreath at the Cenotaph on a previous Remembrance Sunday.)

Two-minute silence at 11am; King joined by the Royal Family and the Prime Minister

The National Service of Remembrance observed the two-minute silence at 11am, marked by gunfire from the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery on Horse Guards Parade, ending at about 11:25am, followed by the march past. The King was joined by members of the Royal Family, Prime Minister Andy Burnham, senior politicians and faith representatives in laying wreaths at the Cenotaph. Whitehall opened to the public at 8am with no ticket required; Great George Street was closed to the public all day, and Westminster, Charing Cross and Embankment stations were expected to be very busy before and after the service.

10,000 veterans march; more than 300 organisations represented

About 10,000 veterans took part in the Royal British Legion's March Past, representing more than 300 Armed Forces and civilian organisations. The Royal British Legion's Festival of Remembrance took place at the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday evening. The year also marks the 15th anniversary of the end of the Iraq War, with many veterans reflecting on the lasting impact of that conflict.

6,500 UK personnel still deployed overseas

The government said that while the country gathered in remembrance, 6,500 UK Armed Forces personnel remained deployed on operations and at overseas bases. Prime Minister Burnham said Remembrance Sunday was a moment for the nation to come together in reflection and to honour those who have served.

(Sources: UK Government; Royal British Legion; Transport for London.)