Devendra Kumar
Sunday saw Britain’s King Charles lead the Remembrance Day service in central London, as the nation paid respects to those who died in conflict. The UK observed a two-minute silence at 11am, marking the end of the First World War and other conflicts involving British and Commonwealth forces. The king, dressed in the uniform of the Marshal of the Royal Air Force, laid a wreath at the Cenotaph, similar to the one produced for King George VI. Prince William, Princess Anne, Prince Edward, and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also laid wreaths, along with other senior politicians.
Major Ollie Plunket of The Rifles, equerry to Camilla, laid a wreath on behalf of the queen, who was watching from a balcony with Prince William’s wife Catherine.
The event was attended by almost 10,000 veterans and 800 armed forces personnel from all three services, who took part in a march-past. Notably, nuclear test veterans, who had waited 70 years for recognition, wore a new medal acknowledging their contribution to the service. More than 300 armed forces and civilian organisations were represented, along with 300 veterans not affiliated with an association who were invited to join for the first time.
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak spoke during the service, stating that the courage and commitment shown by servicemen and women was humbling and that recent events served as a stark reminder that the hard-earned peace the country enjoyed could not be taken for granted. Sunak also said he was determined to ensure that the nation never forgot the ultimate sacrifice made by those who had lost their lives defending the country and its values.