Remembrance Events Led by the Royal Family
Each year, the Royal Family leads the nation in remembering the sacrifice of those who served in the Armed Forces. These Royal Remembrance events bring together communities across the United Kingdom to honour the servicemen and women who gave their lives in conflict.
National Service of Remembrance
The most significant event is the National Service of Remembrance, held annually on Remembrance Sunday at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, London. During this solemn ceremony, the monarch, senior Royal Family members, government ministers, military leaders, and veterans gather to pay tribute to the fallen.
Remembrance Sunday Ceremony
On the second Sunday of November, The King leads the nation in a ceremony at the Cenotaph, the central point of national homage. The Royal Family joins thousands in the UK and worldwide to observe two minutes of silence at 11 a.m., in memory of those who died in world wars and other conflicts.
"As the bells of Big Ben toll eleven, and a single gun on Horse Guards Parade is fired, two minutes of complete silence is held in remembrance of all lost in war."
"Once a further round of gunfire signifies the end of the silence, the bugle call 'The Last Post' is played."
Participants and Rituals
- The King and other Royal Family members
- Political leaders
- Current and former Armed Forces members
- World War veterans
They stand together at the foot of the Cenotaph memorial, marking the moment with silence and ceremonial signals, including gunfire and bugle calls, to honour those who sacrificed their lives.
Author's summary: The Royal Family plays a central role in the UK's annual Remembrance Sunday ceremony, uniting the nation to solemnly honour fallen servicemen and women through rituals at the Cenotaph.