In his first Remembrance Sunday since his Coronation, Charles will be joined by members of the Royal Family, the Prime Minister, senior politicians, defence chiefs and faith leaders in honouring the British and Commonwealth troops who have lost their lives in conflicts across the globe.
It comes after Defence Secretary Grant Shapps yesterday laid a wreath at the Cenotaph to mark the Armistice that ended the First World War on November 11, 1918.
After the two-minute silence today almost 10,000 veterans and 800 members of the Armed Forces will march past the National War Memorial in tribute to the servicemen and women that made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
Thousands are expected to line Whitehall in central London, with millions more set to watch live TV broadcasts of the National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph on the BBC and Sky News.
The parade will leave Horse Guards at 9.50am to march along Whitehall and be in place at the Cenotaph by 10.50am, with His Majesty arriving at 10.59am to lead the two-minute silence.
Rishi Sunak last night said conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza offer a “stark reminder” that we cannot take peace for granted.
He said: “The courage and commitment shown by our servicemen and women, both today and throughout the generations that came before them, is humbling. I know many across the country will be honouring their memory today in quiet reflection.
“Recent events have served as a stark reminder that we cannot take the hard-earned peace we live in for granted, which is why I am honoured to lay a wreath on behalf of the nation in the memory of all those that have lost their lives defending our country and the values we hold so close.
“I am determined to ensure we never forget the ultimate sacrifice they have made.”
Mr Shapps added: “As the nation comes together to remember all those who died serving their country, we remember with gratitude the sacrifices of the entire Armed Forces community and thank all those in uniform who protect our country and its way of life.”
On parade will be Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin and the chiefs of all three armed services.
Admiral Radakin said: “At the Cenotaph, around the country and overseas, members of the Armed Forces will pause to remember all those who have died in service of their country.
“The legacy of the fallen lives on in the dedication and duty of today’s Armed Forces.”
Among those marching will be Corporal Joseph Randall, 100, who aged just 20 constructed temporary runways for the RAF during the D-Day landings in Normandy in June 1944.
His fellow wartime veterans will parade alongside the children of servicemen and women who died in conflict – with the youngest marcher just eight years old.
Mr Randall, who was awarded the Legion d’Honneur by France, said: “It is really important to remember together all those that served and sacrificed from across the Commonwealth and Allied Forces as they helped to liberate France in 1944.”
Philippa Rawlinson, Director of Remembrance at the Royal British Legion, said: “This year, 60 years on, we are remembering the extraordinary contribution of the millions of National Servicemen conscripted during the post-war years, as well as the sacrifices made by those who served in the Korean War 70 years ago.
“We also mark the 75th anniversary of the arrival of HMT Empire Windrush and the contribution of the Windrush generation, who travelled from the Caribbean to help rebuild after the Second World War.
“Our Armed Forces make sacrifices every day so we can enjoy our freedoms and way of life. This weekend we encourage people to take a moment to reflect and remember.”
