The United Kingdom fell silent on Armistice Day as people across the country observed a two-minute silence in remembrance of those who died in military conflicts. Poignant services were held nationwide to mark the occasion.
Ceremonies at Westminster and the Cenotaph
Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle and Lord Speaker Lord Forsyth of Drumlean laid wreaths at the Angel Memorial in Westminster Hall, in the Houses of Parliament, to mark the end of the First World War. They were joined by Massachusetts senate president Karen Spilka, who read a poem.
Sir Lindsay then processed to the Lower Waiting Hall of the House of Commons for a Turning the Page ceremony remembering Alan Scott Balfour, who died in 1918.
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting attended the Western Front Association’s annual Armistice Day ceremony at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, central London, and marked the 110th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme. He was joined by UK Government and senior international military representatives, schoolchildren, cadets and many members of the public who braved the rain to pay their respects.
Services at the Arboretum and Police Memorial
An Armistice Day service was also held at the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas, Staffordshire, where the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester laid a wreath and observed the two-minute silence at 11am. Last year, the Princess of Wales had attended the service in Alrewas and joined veterans in honouring fallen soldiers, before laying a wreath in memory of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley also paid his respects to the war dead during a ceremony at the National Police Memorial in central London. In pictures shared on X by the Met Police, Sir Mark can be seen holding a wreath, reflecting and speaking to other members of the force.
Commemorations in Portsmouth and Dover
Wreaths were also laid during a service at the Portsmouth WWI Memorial in Guildhall Square, Portsmouth, Hampshire, where Farming Minister and MP for Portsmouth South Stephen Morgan joined Royal Navy officers and other dignitaries. A veteran could be seen placing a cross of remembrance during the service, and Royal Navy officers saluted.
Meanwhile, many gathered at the Tommy statue, a tribute to the soldiers of the First World War in Dover, Kent.
