His Majesty The King led the nation in a two-minute silence to remember those who gave their lives serving in the Armed Forces at the National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph today (9 November 2025).
The King was joined by members of the Royal Family, the Prime Minister, senior politicians, and faith representatives to remember those who died in the First World War and all other conflicts involving British and Commonwealth forces since.
Approximately 10,000 veterans took part in the Royal British Legion’s march past, with over 300 different military and civilian organisations represented.
A further 10,000 members of the public lined Whitehall in London to watch the march past and to take part in the annual two-minute silence.
The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery fired a minute gun from Horse Guards Parade at 1100 to begin the two-minute silence. They then fired a second gun to mark its conclusion.
Buglers from The Royal Marines Band Service then performed The Last Post.
Chief of the Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, the First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, Chief of the General Staff General Sir Roly Walker, and Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Harv Smyth laid wreaths alongside His Majesty The King, the Prime Minister, and representatives of major political parties.
General Sir Gwyn Jenkins is the first Royal Marine to lay a wreath at the Cenotaph on behalf of the Royal Navy on Remembrance Sunday.
At the conclusion of the service, Trumpeters of the Royal Air Force sound the Rouse before the Massed Bands play the National Anthem.
The Combined Bands of the Royal Marines and the Royal Air Force joined The Massed Bands of the Household Division to play music as around 10,000 veterans marched past the Cenotaph as part of the Royal British Legion’s veterans’ parade.
Chief of the Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton said:
“Remembrance Sunday stands as both an important moment of national reflection and an opportunity for personal acts of remembrance. It is a time to honour all those who laid down their lives so that we might live in freedom as well as recognising those serving today, who continue to protect us.
“From the Cenotaph in London to memorials in towns and villages across the United Kingdom, and wherever our Armed Forces serve around the world, we pause to remember their courage, their sacrifice, and their enduring legacy. We shall remember them.”
