King Charles III is set to lead the nation in observing a two-minute silence at 11:00 GMT on Sunday for the National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph. During this ceremony, the King will place a wreath at the central London monument in tribute to those who have died in service. Joining him will be prominent figures, including Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, alongside other senior royals and political leaders. Communities across the UK—from Edinburgh to Belfast and Cardiff—will also hold services.
An estimated 10,000 armed forces veterans are expected to participate in the Royal British Legion's march-past through Whitehall, accompanied by about 20 World War Two veterans. Among those anticipated to lay wreaths are Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and Lib Dem leader Ed Davey. In Edinburgh, Scottish First Minister John Swinney will attend their local service. Remembrance Sunday, occurring near the date of Armistice Day on November 11—the end of World War One in 1918—will also commemorate the 80th anniversary of the conclusion of World War Two. The prime minister highlighted the event as a moment to honor all those who have served, noting the vital freedoms secured by their sacrifices. Donald Poole, a 101-year-old veteran of the Royal Army Ordnance Corps, will join the Cenotaph service, representing the Burma Star Memorial Fund, expressing his gratitude for the honor to march. The service is slated for live broadcast on BBC One and iPlayer from 10:15 GMT.
In anticipation of Remembrance Sunday, the senior royals attended a Festival of Remembrance at London's Royal Albert Hall, organized by the Royal British Legion. The event, attended by the King, Prince George, Queen Camilla, and Catherine, Princess of Wales, honored those who lost their lives while serving. This year's festival also marked 25 years since the lifting of a ban on gay individuals serving in the armed forces and acknowledged the obstacles faced by LGBT personnel. The concert was the first attended by 12-year-old Prince George, who sat beside his mother, Catherine, elegantly adorned with a handmade poppy of silk, glass, and other materials.