King Charles and Princess of Wales attend Remembrance Sunday ceremony at Cenotaph

On Remembrance Sunday, people of all ages came together at war memorials in rural areas, towns, and cities throughout the nation, pausing in silence to honor those who lost their lives in various conflicts.

In Whitehall, the Princess of Wales stood alongside King Charles to pay tribute to those who have lost their lives, following a year in which they both disclosed their cancer diagnoses. The king initiated a two-minute silence and was the first to place a wreath at the Cenotaph.

In a historic gathering, eight former prime ministers joined the commemorative events in central London, alongside Keir Starmer and Kemi Badenoch, who laid a wreath for the first time.

In Northern Ireland, Michelle O’Neill, the first minister, marked a significant moment by being the first politician from Sinn Féin to participate in an official Remembrance Sunday event at Belfast City Hall. O'Neill emphasized that her presence was a reflection of her commitment to serving as a “first minister for everyone.”

On the wreath she placed at the Belfast Cenotaph, a message stated: “As the first minister, I aim to lead our community toward new possibilities, creating connections and working towards a common future. Today, I honor all the lives lost in the tragedy of war and violence, both in the past and today.”

On Sunday, around 10,000 veterans paraded past the Cenotaph in Whitehall, representing 326 various military and civilian groups associated with the Royal British Legion, the charity responsible for the annual poppy campaign.

Among the youngest participants in the march were around 95 children from Scotty’s Little Soldiers, a charity that assists kids who have lost a parent in military service. They passed by the war memorial wearing black and yellow scarves. The Chelsea Pensioners received a warm round of applause as they made their way down Whitehall during the event held by the Royal British Legion.

The Sunday nearest to Armistice Day is dedicated to honoring the moment when combat ceased at the conclusion of World War I in 1918. Additionally, another two-minute silence will take place on Monday at 11 AM, marking 106 years since the end of that war.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings, and the commemorations specifically highlighted the sacrifices made by those who participated.

The number of World War II veterans is rapidly decreasing, with only 11 said to have participated in events at the Cenotaph this year. One of them was Christian Lamb, who is 104 years old. She played a key role in mapping the Normandy beaches for the D-day soldiers and received France’s highest award this year for her contributions, which she carried out from an office in Whitehall.

Participants in the events in central London underwent airport-like security checks, but everything proceeded smoothly without any problems. This precaution was put in place after the disturbances that occurred last year on Armistice Day, when far-right demonstrators showed up to "protect" the Cenotaph during a protest against Israel's attacks on Gaza.

People gathered along Whitehall behind barriers, with many adorned in service medals. Big screens were set up for them to view the events taking place.

The Princess of Wales observed from a balcony of a government building that oversees the Cenotaph during her second public appearance of the weekend in honor of Armistice Day. This marks the first occasion she has participated in public events on two back-to-back days since her cancer diagnosis.

The Prince of Wales placed a wreath following his father's tribute. He mentioned last week that 2024 had been “harsh” and “likely the most challenging year of my life,” as both his wife and father have been diagnosed with cancer.

Nigel Farage and Carla Denyer, the co-leader of the Green Party, observed the event from the balconies. Wreaths were only laid by parties that hold six or more seats in parliament, as well as the largest party from each of the devolved nations.

The queen was unable to be there because she was recuperating from a chest infection. Instead, her equerry, Major Ollie Plunket of The Rifles, placed a wreath for her, while she watched the event unfold on television from her home in Wiltshire.

Hilary Benn, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, attended the yearly Remembrance Sunday event in Enniskillen. This occasion honors not only those who lost their lives in wars but also pays tribute to the 12 individuals who were killed and many others who were hurt in an attack that took place just moments before a Remembrance Sunday ceremony was scheduled to begin in November 1987.

In Edinburgh, First Minister John Swinney placed wreaths at the Stone of Remembrance located outside the city chambers. Before a ceremony honoring those who have died, Swinney expressed that he would be especially remembering his uncle, Corporal Tom Hunter. A marine who lost his life in Italy in April 1945, Hunter was awarded the Victoria Cross after risking his own safety to protect his fellow soldiers from enemy fire.

"On Remembrance Sunday, I specifically think of everyone who lost their lives, with a special focus on my late uncle," he shared with PA Media.

At just 21 years old, he sacrificed his life to defend his fellow soldiers. As a result of his courageous act, he was awarded the Victoria Cross after his death, which is the most prestigious honor for bravery in the UK.

"Even though the award was presented to my late grandmother and grandfather, it didn't bring them much solace since they had already lost their son. My mom lost her brother, and her brothers mourned the loss of their sibling as well. We hold dear the memory of the sacrifice he made for our freedom."