In his inaugural remembrance service since ascending to the throne, King
Charles III led Britain in a solemn two-minute silence, a day following
disturbances that marred the commemorations.
The memorial event faced unsightly clashes on Armistice Day, Saturday, as
police grappled with a group of counter-protesters opposing a sizable
pro-Palestinian march, attempting to reach the site. Almost 10,000 veterans
paraded past the Cenotaph memorial in central London, while thousands from the
public congregated to pay tribute to the British and Commonwealth servicemen
and women who sacrificed their lives in battle.
Shortly after the nation fell silent at 11:00 am (1100 GMT), the king,
accompanied by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and opposition Labour leader Keir
Starmer, laid wreaths on the Cenotaph.
“The bravery and dedication exhibited by our servicemen and women, both today and across generations, is truly humbling. I know that many across the country are commemorating their memory today through silent reflection,” expressed Sunak. “Recent events serve as a stark reminder that we should not take the hard-earned peace we enjoy for granted."
