Prince of Wales lays a wreath for Queen as she watches ceremony
THE PRINCE of Wales led the Royal Family’s tributes to the nation’s war dead, as the Queen looked on from a nearby balcony.
Charles laid a wreath at the Cenotaph on behalf of his mother for the second year in a row, while an equerry placed one on behalf of the Duke of Edinburgh.
The Queen viewed the service from the nearby Foreign Office, although Prince Philip was absent – one of the few times he has missed the occasion.
The Duchess of Cornwall and the Duchess of Cambridge were at the Queen’s side, while the Duchess of Sussex, the Countess of Wessex and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence stood on adjacent balconies.
The Duke of Cambridge, the Duke of Sussex, the Duke of York, the Earl of Wessex, the Princess Royal, the Duke of Kent and Prince Michael of Kent all laid tributes to Britain’s veterans.
Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn also laid wreaths at the foot of the Whitehall memorial, along with the Liberal Democrat leader, Sir Vince Cable, Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt and the Commons Speaker, John Bercow.
The traditional two minutes’ silence was marked by the chiming of Big Ben, despite the ongoing renovations to the clock tower. The 13.7 tonne bell has been silent since August 2017, except for ringing in the New Year.
The end of the silence was marked by cannon fire and The
Last Post sounded by the buglers of the Royal Marines, before the wreaths were laid.
The Defence Secretary, Gavin Williamson, said: “To be at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday is a privilege and provides us with the opportunity for reflection along with millions of people in countries that continue to be strong allies.
“The First World War touched communities across the globe and I commend all those who have helped us remember the First World War generation.
“We will never forget them or the sacrifice of thousands of British and Commonwealth troops who have given their lives in other conflicts.”
Among the thousands paying their respects was Lieutenant Commander Sarah Bligh of the Royal Navy.
She said it was her grandmother’s stories of the war that inspired her to join the forces.
“The thought of it being 100 years is really poignant. I’ve got a photograph of my great grandfather taken 100 years ago to celebrate them all coming back from the war,” she said.
“It’s incredible to be here 100 years on.”
The ceremony was followed by the annual Royal British Legion’s Veterans Parade.
Later, Prince Charles, who is Charles is Colonel of the Welsh Guards, arrived at a memorial service at the Guards’ Chapel. Col Tom Bonas, the Regimental Adjutant, said it was a “huge privilege” to have his company on the centenary of the armistice.