LONDON, United Kingdom — In a poignant display of national unity, Britain’s King Charles III presided over the annual Remembrance Sunday commemorations, honoring the nation’s war dead. The 76-year-old monarch, currently undergoing treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer, laid the first wreath at the Cenotaph memorial in central London. The ceremony commenced with the traditional two-minute silence observed at 11:00 am (1100 GMT).
Accompanied by senior members of the royal family, including his son Prince William and daughter-in-law Catherine, the Princess of Wales, the event was marked by solemnity and reverence. Queen Camilla and Catherine, who is in remission following her own cancer diagnosis, observed the proceedings from the balcony of the Foreign Office, overlooking the memorial.
The Whitehall area of the capital was thronged with crowds as political leaders, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer, alongside current and former members of the armed forces and war veterans, paid their respects. The ceremony honored British and Commonwealth soldiers who lost their lives in the two World Wars and other conflicts. Approximately 10,000 armed forces veterans participated in a march-past, including around 20 who served in World War II. Among them was 101-year-old Sid Machin, one of the last surviving veterans of the Burma (now Myanmar) campaign, who served in a special forces unit.
Prince William also laid a wreath, while Prince Harry, who has been estranged from the royal family since stepping back from his duties in 2020, was notably absent. However, days before the event, Harry released a heartfelt statement through his U.S. office, expressing his pride in being British and urging the public not to forget veterans. The Duke of Sussex, who served two tours in Afghanistan, reflected on the courage and compassion he witnessed in war zones but lamented how veterans often feel forgotten once they remove their uniforms.
The weekend’s commemorations also saw Prince George, the 12-year-old eldest son of Prince William and Catherine, attend his first tribute for fallen soldiers at the Royal Albert Hall. The Festival of Remembrance, organized annually by the Royal British Legion, featured readings, prayers, videos, and musical performances, including a performance by Rod Stewart. This marked a significant milestone for George, who is second in line to the throne, as he begins to take on a more active role in royal duties.