Nation Prepares to Honour the Fallen on Remembrance Sunday
The United Kingdom stands ready to unite in solemn tribute today, honouring the countless men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in conflicts across the globe. Remembrance Sunday, observed on the second Sunday of November each year, serves as the nation's official day of commemoration. This poignant day of reflection occurs alongside Remembrance Day itself, held annually on the eleventh day of the eleventh month to mark the armistice that ended the First World War.
Schedule of Events and the Two-Minute Silence
Thousands of people, ranging from grieving children to veterans of the Second World War, are expected to participate in the traditional March Past through central London. Many more members of the public will line the streets to show their respect and participate in the annual two-minute silence. This year carries profound significance as it marks 80 years since the Allied victory over Nazi Germany and Japan in the Second World War, a milestone following VE Day celebrations earlier this year in May.
The focal point of the day will be the national two-minute silence at 11am. In the capital, this period of reflection will be marked by the firing of guns from the King's Troop on Horse Guards Parade. The service at the Cenotaph on Whitehall, near the Houses of Parliament, will follow a detailed timetable. The area will be open to the public from 8am. Military formations will begin at 10:30am, with participants processing out to the Cenotaph at 10:50am, just before the silence. The service will conclude at approximately 11:25am, after which Royal British Legion detachments will disperse past the memorial.
Royal Attendance and Travel Information
The service will be attended by senior members of the Royal Family, including King Charles, alongside the Prime Minister, Cabinet ministers, and leaders of other political parties. For those travelling into London, it is important to note several road closures will be in effect. Great George Street will be closed to the public on Remembrance Sunday. Access between Victoria Street and St James Park will be maintained via Storey's Gate.
For those unable to attend in person, the commemorations will be broadcast live. Coverage will be available on BBC One and iPlayer from 10:15am to 12:40pm. The service can also be viewed on Sky News, including its TV channel, website, app, and YouTube channel, as well as on the ITV News YouTube channel.
While Remembrance Sunday originated after the First World War and traditionally honours those lost in both World Wars, it also serves to commemorate British service personnel who have died in subsequent conflicts, including in Korea, the Falklands, the Gulf, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
