Remembrance Sunday saw the United Kingdom unite in solemn commemoration of those who have died in conflicts, with ceremonies held across the nation, from the revered Cenotaph in Whitehall to local war memorials in towns and villages. This year's observances carried particular poignancy, marking 80 years since the end of the Second World War.

In central London, the National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph was led by the Royal Family, senior politicians, and military personnel. King Charles III, visibly moved, laid the first wreath at the war memorial just before 11am, wearing a field marshal uniform and saluting in tribute. He was followed by his son, the Prince of Wales, Prince William, who, dressed in his Royal Air Force wing commander uniform, also laid a wreath and saluted. Queen Camilla and the Princess of Wales, Catherine, both in black, observed the dignified service from a balcony at the Foreign Office, joined by other royal family members including the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, the Duke of Kent, and the Duchess of Edinburgh.

The nation paused in a perfect two-minute silence, heralded by the chiming of the Big Ben bells, which concluded with a gun fire and the poignant sounding of the Last Post by the Buglers of the Royal Marines. Alongside the Royal Family, a host of dignitaries paid their respects. Prime Minister Keir Starmer laid a floral tribute, joined by senior politicians such as Kemi Badenoch, Ed Davey, Yvette Cooper, Shabana Mahmood, and Lindsay Hoyle, as well as representatives from the Commonwealth. Eight former Prime Ministers—Sir John Major, Sir Tony Blair, Gordon Brown, Lord Cameron, Baroness May, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, and Rishi Sunak—stood together, demonstrating a unified front in remembrance.

Prime Minister Starmer articulated the nation's sentiment, stating, "This Remembrance Sunday, we pause as a nation to honour all those who have served our country. We reflect on the extraordinary courage of our armed forces in the world wars and subsequent conflicts, whose service secured the freedoms we cherish today." He emphasized the legacy of "a generation who stood against tyranny and shaped our future," affirming the government's commitment to supporting veterans and their families. "Such sacrifice deserves more than silence," he added, "which is why this government remains committed to supporting veterans, their families and those who serve. Today, we remember, and we renew our promise to uphold the values they fought for.”

Following the wreath-laying, some 10,000 members of the armed forces participated in the Royal British Legion’s annual march past through Whitehall. This included approximately 20 Second World War veterans, three of whom were D-Day veterans, marching or being pushed in wheelchairs, to resounding applause. Among these brave individuals was 101-year-old Donald Poole, a Royal Army Ordnance Corps technician who served in India in 1945, and Sid Machin, another 101-year-old and one of the last surviving 'Chindit' special forces soldiers from the Burma campaign. Henry Rice, a former signalman who arrived off Juno Beach five days after D-Day, and Mervyn Kersh, who arrived in Normandy aged 19, were also in attendance. Eileen Marshall, 98, one of three female Second World War veterans marching, proudly wore her late husband Ray's medals, remembering his service with the Highland Regiment and her own time in the Women's Royal Naval Service (WRNS).

While most services proceeded smoothly, a local Remembrance Sunday parade in Cheadle, Stockport, faced an unusual disruption. The service had to be hastily rearranged at the last minute after a white van, parked next to the war memorial since Saturday night, was deemed a 'security risk' by police, as its owner could not be located in time. Witnesses reported that police advised organizers the service could not take place at the memorial with the van present. The owner was eventually tracked down around "two minutes to 11am," issued a ticket for 'obstruction,' and moved the vehicle. Despite the "palaver" and significant upheaval to move equipment, the delayed service successfully took place at St Mary's Church, where around 3,000 people observed the two-minute silence, with attendees noting how the incident "brought everyone together and rallied round."

Beyond London, commemorations were held across the UK. In Edinburgh, First Minister John Swinney laid a wreath at the Stone of Remembrance outside the City Chambers. The weekend of remembrance also included the Royal British Legion's Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday evening. King Charles III, a patron of the Royal British Legion, appeared visibly moved by a heartfelt rendition of "God Save the King" and received three cheers from the Armed Forces. Prince George made his debut at the festival, joining his mother, the Princess of Wales.