King Charles III led the nation in a two-minute silence to honour the fallen heroes in the two World Wars and other conflicts.
Joining the King at the National Service of Remembrance ceremony at the Cenotaph in central London were tens of thousands of veterans, civilians, and political leaders. He was also accompanied by other members of the Royal Family, including the Prince and Princess of Wales, who laid the first wreath on behalf of the nation.
Other royal figures, Prince William, Prince Edward, and Princess Anne, followed, along with political leaders, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Kemi Badenoch, the newly elected leader of the Conservative Party, laid a wreath for the first time. Also present were Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and Foreign Secretary David Lammy. A record number of past Prime Ministers attended too.
PM Keir Starmer attended the Armistice Day ceremony in Paris too, with French President Emmanuel Macron, making him the first British prime minister to do so since Winston Churchill during World War II. The leaders discussed support for Ukraine and the ongoing crises in the Middle East, agreeing on the importance of regional stability and controlling illegal migration.
D-Day commemorated across Britain
At the Cenotaph, six surviving veterans of the D-Day landings participated in the Remembrance Sunday service, a moment of reflection for many, as the number of D-Day veterans continues to decline. Their presence was a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made, as they were outnumbered by the eight former prime ministers who also paid their respects.
In Harrow, Remembrance Sunday was marked by a parade that followed a new route, starting at Greenhill Car Park and concluding at the relocated Harrow War Memorial.
Mayor and London marks D-Day 80th anniversary
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, the Chair of the London Assembly, Andrew Boff AM, and Len Duvall OBE AM, Chair of the City Hall Branch of the Royal British Legion, joined Assembly Members, faith leaders, and special guests for City Hall’s annual Remembrance Service.
The service, which took place in the heart of London at City Hall, was officiated by the Rt Revd Lynne Cullens, Bishop of Barking, who delivered the opening address. The congregation was also honoured by readings, prayers, and hymns from leaders of various faiths, including Sikh, Hindu, Christian, Jewish, and Muslim representatives. Music was provided by the London International Gospel Choir, adding to the solemnity of the occasion.
To further commemorate D-Day's 80th anniversary, an exhibition of photographic portraits featuring 16 veterans who served in Normandy was displayed in the London Living Room.
A wreath-laying ceremony followed, with senior representatives from the Metropolitan Police Service, Transport for London, the London Fire Brigade, British Red Cross, and other key organisations participating. The service also saw the attendance of London borough mayors, leaders, and Greater London Authority staff.
