At the Cenotaph, king leads solemn remembrance service as fewer World War Two veterans march

Silence marks Remembrance Sunday

At 11:00 GMT, Big Ben’s first strike signalled a two-minute silence across London’s usually busy streets. The silence was followed by the Last Post.

Veterans join the march-past

Twelve World War Two veterans took part in the march-past this year, compared with 20 last year. The oldest participant was 105.

Groups and political leaders attend

Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, was eligible to lay a wreath for the first time because his party had enough MPs in Parliament. Former prime ministers Tony Blair, John Major, Gordon Brown, David Cameron, Theresa May and Boris Johnson also attended.

A tradition spanning generations

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the annual ceremony offered a chance to consider “the selflessness and courage” involved in protecting others. Royal British Legion director general Mark Atkinson said the gathering honoured those who served and sacrificed, including people still serving today.

The national ceremony has been held around the Cenotaph for more than a century. Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, the monument was opened by King George V at 11:00 on 11 November 1920; King Charles III attended 106 years later.