London prepares to honour the nation's fallen heroes as the National Service of Remembrance returns to The Cenotaph on Whitehall this Remembrance Sunday. The solemn event, scheduled for November 9, 2025, will see the nation unite in tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Ceremony Timings and Public Attendance
The meticulously planned ceremony follows a traditional timetable, allowing the public to witness this poignant act of remembrance firsthand. Whitehall opens to the public at 8am, though space is limited and attendees are advised to arrive early to clear police security procedures and secure a viewing spot. No tickets are required for members of the public wishing to watch from the streets.
From 10.30am, all detachments will form up at The Cenotaph, with participants processing out onto the site from 10.50am. The heart of the service begins at 11am sharp, marked by the National two-minute silence and the firing of guns from the King's Troop on Horse Guards Parade. The Cenotaph Service itself will conclude at approximately 11.25am, after which Royal British Legion detachments will disperse past the memorial.
How to Watch the Remembrance Service
For those unable to attend in person, the BBC will provide comprehensive live coverage. Sophie Raworth and Petroc Trelawny will present the broadcast from Whitehall, beginning at 10.15am on BBC One. The programme is scheduled to run until 12.50pm, ensuring viewers don't miss a moment of the dignified proceedings. Veteran broadcaster David Dimbleby will also contribute to the coverage, bringing his decades of experience to the solemn occasion.
Participating in the Veterans' March Past
The march past The Cenotaph is a central element of the day, reserved for those who have served. The Royal British Legion (RBL) confirms that participation is limited to 10,000 veterans due to capacity constraints. Eligibility extends to ex-service personnel and civilians from the UK and Commonwealth who have served the Crown, as well as spouses or civil partners of those who died as a result of their service, and carers of veterans requiring wheelchair assistance.
It is important to note that this is specifically a veterans' parade, and serving Armed Forces personnel are not permitted to take part. While applications for the 2025 march are now closed, the RBL website will provide details for applying for the 2026 event in the future.
The service will be attended by a dignified gathering of national figures, including King Charles III and other members of the royal family, who will pay their respects alongside government officials, opposition party leaders, former prime ministers, and the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan. They will be joined by representatives from the armed forces, the merchant navy, faith communities, and high commissioners of Commonwealth countries, creating a powerful, unified display of national remembrance.
