Remembrance Events
Every year, the Royal Family leads the nation in honouring those who have served in the Armed Forces. These Remembrance events hold deep significance, uniting communities across the United Kingdom to remember servicemen and women who sacrificed their lives in conflict.
National Service of Remembrance
The most notable ceremony, the National Service of Remembrance, takes place annually on Remembrance Sunday at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, London. This solemn event sees the monarch, senior Royal Family members, government officials, military leaders, and veterans gather to pay their respects to the fallen.
Remembrance Sunday Ceremony
On the second Sunday of November, His Majesty leads the nation in commemorating those who lost their lives in world wars and other conflicts. At the Cenotaph, the heart of national tribute, Royal Family members join thousands of ceremonies across the UK and worldwide to observe two minutes of silence at 11am.
“As the bells of Big Ben toll eleven, and a single gun on Horse Guards Parade is fired, two minutes of complete silence is held in remembrance of all lost in war.”
Political leaders, current and former Armed Forces members, and World War veterans accompany the Royal Family at the memorial. The silence ends with another gunshot, followed by the bugle call known as 'The Last Post.'
Honouring the Fallen
- King leads the nation every November for remembrance.
- The Cenotaph serves as the focal point for national homage.
- Two minutes' silence is observed precisely at 11am.
- The bugle call 'The Last Post' concludes the ceremony.
Author's Summary: Each November, the Royal Family spearheads heartfelt national ceremonies across the UK, uniting communities in solemn tribute to those who sacrificed their lives in military conflicts.