The Queen has lead the UK in a two-minute silence for Remembrance Sunday this morning, as huge crowds gathered in central London to pay their respects to the war dead.
The Queen was seen looking out at the parade from a balcony. She was accompanied by Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall and Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge.
This is while Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle, was watching the ceremony from a separate balcony with the Duchess of Wessex.
Crowds arrived at the Cenotaph in London earlier this morning to pay their respects to the war dead, and many lined the streets.
The Ministry of Defence said over 800 members of the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force were in attendance today.
Prince Charles lay a wreath of poppies on behalf of the Queen, followed by his two sons, William and Harry.
Boris Johnson and Jeremy Corbyn took a break from campaigning to attend the Whitehall memorial and followed the Royal Family in laying wreaths.
Crowds gathered at the Cenotaph in London this morning. A two minute silence was held at 11am and many in the crowd were moved to tears
Prince Charles lay a wreath this morning (pictured above) as the majority of the Royal Family were in attendance for the event
Prince Charles (pictured above) was the first Royal to lay a wreath this morning, his two sons William and Harry then also laid wreaths
The Queen (pictured above, left and right) appeared to wipe tears from her face this morning following the national anthem
The Queen (pictured above) led the silence this morning. She was watching the memorial from a balcony and was with Camilla (left), Duchess of Cornwall and Kate Middleton (right), Duchess of Cambridge
Meghan Markle (pictured right) watched her husband Harry (left with brother Williams) from a separate balcony from that of the Queen and Kate Middleton
On the left, Camilla, the Queen and Kate Middleton are pictured. Sophie Countess of Wessex, Meghan Markle and Tim Laurence are pictured right)
Kate Middleton (right) seem to console the Queen this afternoon as they both watched the memorial service together from a balcony
The pair stood side by side while the national anthem was sang by all in attendance at the memorial, which evoked emotion in many.
After the song had finished the Queen appeared to wipe tears from her face, following the moving tributes to those who fought for Queen and country, past and present.
A military band played as the politicians, religious leaders and diplomats from the Commonwealth of former British colonies laid wreaths on the Portland stone monument inscribed with the words ‘the glorious dead.’
Other political leaders such as Lib Dem leader Jo Swinson and DUP Westminster leader Ian Blackford also laid wreaths.
In other services, Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar laid a green laurel wreath in Enniskillen. In November 1987, an IRA Poppy Day blast in the Co Fermanagh lakeland town killed 12 and injured 68.
Northern Ireland Secretary Julian Smith and DUP leader Arlene Foster also laid floral tributes during the service.
After the wreaths were laid, a service was prayers and hymns started.
Jeremy Corbyn (left) and Boris Johnson (right) laid wreaths this morning. Theresa May and David Cameron were also present
Veterans are pictured above holding wreaths as their friends and family stand beside them in preparation for the service
From the early hours this morning, people had arrived in London to play their part in the parade. Police cordons were set up in order to make sure the event ran smoothly.
The first to arrive this morning included new Speaker of the House of Commons Sir Lindsay Hoyle with his wife Catherine Swindley, as well as Nicky Morgan and her husband Jonathan and SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford.
Following the service, around 10,000 veterans marched past the war memorial, including World War Two veteran Ron Freer.
The 104-year-old, who is blind, will be the oldest hero to have marched at the Cenotaph this year, along with his comrades.
Officers are pictured today during the parade in London as they listen to a brass band which were playing during the service
Cadets in Horse Guards Parade get into position (pictured above) ahead of the service. They were pictured in uniform this morning
Servicemen attend the annual Remembrance Sunday memorial. They are pictured above in full uniform this morning
Veterans were marching this morning as many stood behind barriers to watch the parades in London this morning
Jeremy Corbyn smartens up his act: Labour leader wears a navy overcoat to the Cenotaph after being slammed for the ‘scruffy’ anorak he sported at last year’s Remembrance Sunday commemorations
By William Cole for MailOnline
Jeremy Corbyn has smartened up for his appearance alongside other politicians and dignitaries at the Cenotaph to mark Remembrance Sunday.
The Labour leader has chosen to fit in with the crowd by wearing a dark black suit and overcoat and a red poppy.
His outfit stands in sharp contrast with last year where he was branded ‘scruffy and disrespectful’ for wearing a grey anorak to lay a wreath at the Armistice Day service.
Jeremy Corbyn has smartened up for his appearance alongside other politicians and dignitaries at the Cenotaph to mark Remembrance Sunday
His outfit stands in sharp contrast with last year where he was branded ‘scruffy and disrespectful’ for wearing a grey anorak to lay a wreath at the Armistice Day service
It evoked memories of former Labour leader Michael Foot’s infamous donkey jacket moment 37 years earlier.
Scores of viewers watching the live coverage said they were ‘shocked’ at the politician’s choice of attire, with one man claiming he looked as though he was ‘going fishing’.
He also chose not to don a white poppy, a symbol of pacifism, alongside the more widely worn red poppy which symbolises those who died in conflict.
However, Mr Corbyn was last night slammed for failing to show up for the Festival of Remembrance to honour Brit hero soldiers at the Royal Albert Hall.
The Labour leader’s absence sparked outrage among members of the public – who blast the move as ‘a spectacular own goal’ by the party.
Shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry was at the event but no shows by Corbyn and his right hand man John McDonnell left many furious.
Joanne Henry tweeted: ‘What a disgrace, Jeremy Corbyn and John McDonnell couldn’t be bothered turning up to remember our fallen heroes.
‘Just remember that people, when you go in to vote on 12th December.’
Celia Bradshaw added: ‘Noticed Emily Thornberry at the Remembrance event last night representing Corbyn no doubt.’
His appearance in 2018 evoked memories of former Labour leader Michael Foot’s infamous donkey jacket moment 37 years earlier
This is while 98-year-old Ron Hindle was also at the event with other veterans.
Many veterans wore their medals during the parade which continued through a stunning autumnal glow which basked London throughout the morning.
Despite a slight chill in the air, veterans came out in full force to support one another.
The event is attended by thousands every year, with the pubs and eateries around Westminster expected to be packed throughout the day.
Many use the event not only to remember the fallen, but to also catch up with former comrades.
A lot of the veterans present at the event today are wheelchair bound.
However, many of them got out of their chairs in order to lay wreaths at the Cenotaph.
This years’ service marks 100 years since the first two-minute silence was observed on 11 November 1919 on Armistice Day.
It will also be the first year that both civilian victims or both war and terror attacks, will be remembered under the same service.
Buglers of the Royal Marines sounded the Last Post before wreaths were laid by the royal family, politicians and a host of representatives from Commonwealth nations.
For the first time, the Ambassador of Nepal placed a wreath in honour of the contribution Gurkha regiments have made to Britain’s military campaigns for the past 200 years.
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab and Home Secretary Priti Patel laid wreaths on behalf of the intelligence services.
It is also the first time the services have been honoured in this way, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of the Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) and the 110th anniversaries of the Security Service (MI5) and Secret Intelligence Service (MI6).
A host of military and foreign representatives also laid wreaths by the Cenotaph, while other Cabinet ministers and religious leaders were in attendance.
After the wreaths were laid, the Bishop of London, Dame Sarah Mullally, led a short service of remembrance which ended with trumpeters of the Royal Air Force sounding Rouse (Reveille) and the singing of the national anthem.
Ahead of the service, Cadets on Horse Guard Parade, next to St James’ Park, were also seen getting into position for the commemorations.
They were in full uniform and were seen walking in unison this morning as gazebos were pitched on the parade in preparation for the people expected to attend the service.
Politicians continued to arrive for the service today, including Jacob Rees Mogg, Ben Wallace, Stephen Barclay, Jo Swinson, Priti Patel and Sajid Javid. Also seen arriving was Archbishop Angeaelos.
As Big Ben strikes 11am, a two minutes silence was observed, with its beginning and end marked by the firing of a gun by the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery.
Buglers of the Royal Marines will sound the Last Post before wreaths are laid at the Cenotaph by members of the royal family, politicians, foreign representatives and senior armed forces personnel.
The Prince of Wales laid the first wreath on behalf of the Queen, who watched the service from a nearby balcony.
An equerry is due to lay a wreath for the Duke of Edinburgh who is not expected to be present after retiring from royal duties two years ago.
The Duke of Cambridge and the Duke of Sussex followed their father in laying wreaths, while their wives watched the ceremony from balconies.
Five former prime ministers – Sir John Major, Tony Blair, Gordon Brown, David Cameron and Theresa May – were also in attendance.
After the main memorial, taxis were pictured lined up across Westminster Bridge, posed to offer rides to veterans.
It is a tradition that takes place every year and sees cabbies give up their spare time in order to ferry the veterans from place to place across London.
The initiative was first formed in 2009 and sees cabbies stationed outside of mainline stations across London. Some cabbies even offer special pick-ups for those veterans who are disabled and need collecting from their home addresses.
The Poppy Cab initiative works with the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans that supports outings to a range of events. It also helps veterans looking to travel to commemoration events held across Europe.
The black cab riders were pictured this afternoon lined up across Westminster Bridge as they waited for veterans to claim their free rides
The drivers participating in the free rides displayed signs in the back which had the words ‘poppy cab’ on them along with the black cabs
It is estimated that around 1,000 taxi rides are provided to veterans free of charge by the charitable drivers.
The scheme was set up by taxi driver Mike Hughes, 72.
Speaking to the Evening Express earlier this week Mr Hughes said that on the first year of the scheme, just 14 drivers lined up to transport veterans, but added that last year, around 150 came out.
He said: ‘Everybody parks their egos on the side of the road, we’re all there to help the veterans.’
Mr Hughes added: ‘When you do it the veterans turn round and they are very effusive with their thanks but we say ‘hold on, stop, you don’t have to thank us, this is our way for us to thank you for what you’ve done and what other soldiers are prepared to do so that we can enjoy the freedoms that we all have’.’
Ron Freer (pictured left in his uniform) said he was ‘hugely honoured’ to be marching today in order to pay tribute to those who fell in battle. He is pictured right at a previous memorial
Families of the veterans were seen this morning, their children and grandchildren were pictured attending the event with them (above)
Veterans are pictured sat together sporting their well-deserved medals as they wait for the service to begin this Sunday morning
After wreaths are laid, the Bishop of London, Dame Sarah Mullally, will lead a service of remembrance which will end with trumpeters of the Royal Air Force sounding Rouse (Reveille).
Following the ceremony, thousands of veterans and servicemen and women will march past the Cenotaph to pay their respects to those killed in past and present conflicts.
This year marks the 75th anniversary of D-Day, the Battle of Kohima in India, the Battle of Arnhem in the Netherlands and the Battle of Monte Cassino in Italy.
The programme for the event follows the same structure each year.
Before the ceremony many took to social media to pay their tributes, including Mr Corbyn who paid tribute to past and present Armed Forces.
In a video posted to Twitter he said: ‘We remember the many brave people from Britain and all across the world who put their lives on the line making huge sacrifices in two world wars which cost the lives of millions, and in all other conflicts since.
‘And we stand together to say: Never again.’
Prime Minister Boris Johnson and partner Carrie Symonds (pictured above) leave Number 10 Downing Street and make their way to the service
New Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle and wife Catherine Swindley in Downing Street arriving for the Remembrance Sunday service (right). Jeremy Corbyn and his wife Laura Alvarez (right)
Leader of the House of Commons Jacob Rees-Mogg (pictured above) arrived this morning ahead of the service at the Cenotaph
Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Secretary Nicky Morgan (left) was seen arriving, as was former Prime Minister Theresa May (right)
SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford (pictured above) was seen arriving this morning ahead of the memorial service
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace (pictured above) smiled as he arrived this morning. He had pinned two medals to his coat as well as his poppy
Remembrance Sunday is an important day for many across the globe.
It symbolises loss, hope and aims to give thanks and remember those who fought to keep use safe during previous wars – as well as honoring those who continue to put their lives on the line to keep us from harm today.
Today’s event comes as more and more Brits were found to have Googled when Remembrance Sunday is, with some even searching ‘why do we wear poppies’.
Data found that on a monthly basis 1,100 people searched for when Remembrance Sunday was, while 1,000 searched ‘what is Armistice Day’.
480 searched ‘when is Armistice Day’, while 210 questioned what Remembrance Sunday was.
Despite this trend, the data from Reboot , showed that over 9,000 Brits searched for the Poppy Appeal, meaning many still look to donate to the cause which helps veterans in every day life.
‘Why do we wear’ and ‘what does it represent’ accounts for 3,200 queries by Brits.
Astoundingly Brits are also intrigued by Meghan Markle’s appearance, with 880 of them searching for what she would be wearing on the day.
Today the Duchess of Sussex was pictured wearing Stella McCartney. Her coat was from the Stella McCartney Autumn 2019 Collection.
Archbishop Angeaelos, Coptic Orthodox Archbishop of London (pictured above) was also in attendance today for the service which will be followed by over 10,000 veterans marching
Politicians such as Exiting the European Union Secretary Stephen Barclay (right) were at the service, as well as Lord Chancellor Robert Buckland (left)
Britain’s Chancellor of the Exchequer Sajid Javid (pictured above) departs Downing Street to attend the National Service of Remembrance
Leader of Britain’s Liberal Democrats Jo Swinson (left) and Home Secretary Priti Patel (right) are pictured above arriving
Former Prime Minister David Cameron (pictured above) arrived today. Former Prime Ministers such as Sir John Major are also set to attend
Former Prime Minister Tony Blair and wife Cherie were also pictured arriving this morning as many lined the streets in London
Awkward moment Boris Johnson sets off to lay his poppy wreath at the Cenotaph too early and has to make a hasty retreat
By William Cole for MailOnline
Boris Johnson had to awkwardly jump back into line when he mistimed stepping forward to lay a poppy wreath.
The Prime Minister was left a little red-faced when he began walking towards the Cenotaph as a military officer shouted an order for servicemen and women to stand ‘at ease’.
Mr Boris was taking part in his first Remembrance Sunday service since his appointment as the UK’s leader.
After a Royal party of the Earl of Wessex, Princess Anne, and Duke of Kent had laid their wreathes, Mr Johnson was the first of the politicians to pay their respects at the central London war memorial.
But as he set off down the line of former Prime Ministers and dignitaries, the parade is called to stand ‘at ease’, a signal Mr Johnson had been expected to wait for.
He was caught on camera quickly stepping back into line alongside Jeremy Corbyn as the military personnel carried out the command.
After a Royal party of the Earl of Wessex, Princess Anne, and Duke of Kent had laid their wreathes, Mr Johnson was the first of the politicians to pay their respects at the central London war memorial
He was caught on camera quickly stepping back into line alongside Jeremy Corbyn as the military personnel carried out the command
He then makes the short walk to place his wreath and bows his head in respect.
In a tweet earlier today, Mr Johnson said: ‘Today I will be thinking of the men and women who, over the centuries, have given so much to protect our country.
‘I will especially remember the men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice in war, so that today we can live in peace.’
He then makes the short walk to place his wreath and bows his head in respect
Mr Johnson stood in front of former Conservative Prime Ministers David Cameron and Theresa May as his girlfriend Carrie watched on from a balcony.
He was pictured standing next to Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, with whom he will contest the upcoming general election on December.
It was announced earlier this week that the pair will take part in a head-to-head BBC general election debate.
Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton look sombre in elegant black coats and hats as they watch the wreath-laying service from separate Royal balconies at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday
By Jessica Rach for MailOnline
Meghan Markle looked resplendent in black as she joined Kate Middleton and the rest of the Royal Family at the traditional wreath-laying service at The Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday today.
The Duchess of Sussex, 38, and the Duchess of Cambridge, 37, both opted for a black coat and hat, as they stood on the balcony to watch Prince Charles, Prince William and Prince Harry lay wreaths to pay respects to its war dead.
Meghan and Kate were pictured on separate balconies, with Kate joining the Queen, 93, and Duchess of Cornwall, 72, while Meghan joined Sophie, Countess of Wessex, 54, in order of precedence.
The Prince of Wales laid the first wreath on behalf of the Queen, who watched the service from a nearby balcony.
Meghan opted for wide brim hat with a leather ribbon, which she teamed with a black belted wool coat adorned with a poppy.
Meghan Markle looked resplendent in black as she joined the rest of the Royal Family at the traditional wreath-laying service at The Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday today
Opting for natural make-up and no jewellery, Meghan cut an elegant figure as she watched the ceremony.
Meanwhile Kate looked chic in military inspired coat and a fascinator hat, wearing a poppy badge.
Completing the look with a touch of blusher and statement brows, she recycled the Queen’s pearl earrings from Saturday night.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Labour’s Jeremy Corbyn were seen taking a break from election campaigning to attend the service at the memorial on Whitehall in central London.
Hundreds of armed forces personnel were also present at the occasion, alongside Cabinet ministers, religious leaders and representatives of Commonwealth nations.
At 11am, a two minutes silence was observed, with its beginning and end marked by the firing of a gun by the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery.
The Duchess of Cambridge, 37, both opted for a black coat and hat, as she stood on the balcony to watch Prince Charles, Prince William and Prince Harry lay wreaths to pay respects to its war dead
In line with royal tradition, Meghan, right, and Kate were pictured on separate balconies, with Kate joining the Queen, 93, left, and Duchess of Cornwall, 72, on the main balcony
Buglers of the Royal Marines sounded the Last Post before wreaths were laid at the Cenotaph by members of the royal family, politicians, foreign representatives and senior armed forces personnel.
An equerry laid a wreath for the Duke of Edinburgh, who retired from royal duties two years ago.
The Duke of Cambridge and the Duke of Sussex followed their father in laying wreaths, while their wives also watched the ceremony from balconies.
Five former prime ministers – Sir John Major, Tony Blair, Gordon Brown, David Cameron and Theresa May – were also in attendance.
Queen Elizabeth II and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge attend the annual Remembrance Sunday memorial at The Cenotaph
After wreaths were laid, the Bishop of London, Dame Sarah Mullally, led a service of remembrance which will end with trumpeters of the Royal Air Force sounding Rouse (Reveille).
This weekend is the first time the couples have been seen together since Harry and Meghan addressed the pressures of being in the public eye.
During an interview for an ITV documentary on South Africa, Meghan admitted feeling vulnerable during her pregnancy and thanked Mr Bradby for asking about how she was feeling.
Meghan opted for wide brim hat with a leather ribbon, which she teamed with a black belted wool coat adorned with a poppy
Sophie Countess of Wessex opted for a black hat and large fascinator too as she joined Meghan on the balcony
Opting for natural make-up and no jewellery, Meghan cut an elegant figure as she watched the ceremony with Sophie
‘Thank you for asking because not many people have asked if I’m OK, but it’s a very real thing to be going through behind the scenes,’ she said.
Harry, meanwhile, spoke candidly about the pressures of being a member of the Royal Family in the spotlight.
When asked by Mr Bradby if he has yet ‘found peace’, Harry said the grief of his mother’s death still remains, describing it as ‘a wound that festers’.
Addressing rumours of a rift between the brothers, Harry said: ‘The majority of the stuff is created out of nothing but as brothers, you know, you have good days, you have bad days.’
‘We are certainly on different paths at the moment but I will always be there for him as I know he will always be there for me. We don’t see each other as much as we used to because we are so busy but I love him dearly.’
The Queen was seen wiping her eyes as she joined other members of the royal family to attend the annual Remembrance Sunday Service at The Cenotaph