Remembrance Sunday
King Charles III lays wreath in London
King Charles III during the National Service of Remembrance with a symbolic poppy.
© Chris Jackson/Getty Images
King Charles III had led the National Service of Remembrance for the first time as monarch in 2022. He took on this role again today.
On today’s Remembrance Sunday, King Charles III. (74) again headed the National Service of Remembrance. He had already taken on this role as monarch for the first time last year after the death of Queen Elizabeth II (1926-2002). He had previously represented her several times on Remembrance Day.
The contribution of servicemen and civilians from Great Britain and the Commonwealth during the First and Second World Wars – and other conflicts – is recognized on Remembrance Sunday. The royals and thousands of people, including veterans and army personnel, joined two minutes’ silence at the Cenotaph war memorial in London at 11am on November 12, as the BBC reports.
A wreath in the name of the United Kingdom
King Charles III also became the first royal to lay a wreath at the Cenotaph and salute on behalf of the United Kingdom. The second wreath was laid in Queen Camilla’s (76) name. He was followed by his eldest son, his brother Edward and his sister Anne. Prince William (41), Prince Edward (59) and Princess Anne (73) came forward personally with their wreaths.
Camilla and William’s wife, Princess Kate (41), watched the memorial service from the balcony of the Foreign Office. Both wore black and symbolic poppies, the “Remembrance Poppies,” as was customary. Also present were British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak (43) and Labor leader Keir Starmer (61).
Yesterday evening the royals took part in the traditional Festival of Remembrance at London’s Royal Albert Hall. As part of the event, Charles also unveiled a bronze statue of his late mother, Camilla, another statue of Charles’ father, Prince Philip (1921-2021).