King Charles Leads Royal Family in Solemn Remembrance Sunday Tribute at the Cenotaph

His Majesty The King appeared for the annual ceremony at The Cenotaph in London alongside other members of the Royal Family

King Charles led members of the Royal Family for the annual Remembrance Sunday ceremony at the Cenotaph.

His Majesty was accompanied by the Prince of Wales and other members of his family as he laid a wreath to pay tribute to the fallen. It was previously predicted that 10,000 veterans would participate in the Royal British Legion’s annual parade as the UK fell silent.

The solemn ceremony comes every year to honour those who lost their lives in service to their country in military conflict. His Majesty, dressed in a grey military uniform coat, the uniform of the Marshall of the Royal Air Force, looked visibly emotional during the two minutes of silence. He gained his Air Force Wings at RAF College Cranwell in 1971. Princess Catherine and Queen Camilla watched on from the central balcony as The Last Post was played by the Royal Marine Buglers.

He laid the first wreath on behalf of the nation, made up of 41 open-style poppy petals and an arrangement of black leaves. This was before Major Rob Treasure laid a wreath on behalf of Queen Camilla who looked on from the balcony as she stood next to Princess Catherine.

More than 300 military and civilian groups - which spanned several generations - took part in the tradition alongside key political and religious figures. This includes young military cadets to surviving veterans of World War II as well as all surviving former Prime Ministers and the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Traditionally, the King - who is Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces - always leads the nation in two minutes of silence for the national act of Remembrance. Senior members of the Royal Family traditionally participate in the annual ceremony, which reflects the longstanding relationship of the Crown with the Armed Forces.

As per tradition, His Majesty laid the principal wreath, followed by other senior members of the family, which included the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Edinburgh and Princess Anne, the Princess Royal. As wreaths are laid on behalf of the Crown, the decision of which members of the family participate in the service is governed by royal precedence and official roles, rather than who has actually served in the military.

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham previously emphasised the importance of the event, saying: "I’m incredibly proud to be honouring those whose sacrifice continues to protect our way of life to this day.

"Remembrance Sunday gives us an opportunity, not only to mark that sacrifice and offer our gratitude, but also to reflect on its significance."

He added: "To reflect on the selflessness and courage it takes to commit your life to protecting others. I want to offer my personal thanks to those who served and those who continue to serve in our Armed Forces communities to this day."

According to Claire Waterworth MBE, chief of staff for the Royal British Legion, the annual service recognises not just those who sacrificed their lives in the two world wars, but all armed conflicts since then.

She told Sky News: "This year, we're asking people of all generations and across all backgrounds to come together to remember those who served and sacrificed to protect our way of life.

"We need to reflect on conflicts since the Second World War as well ... There's been a huge amount of service and sacrifice since the Second World War by service personnel and their families. 

"And so, we need to recognise what people give to serve in the armed forces and really prepare people for future conflicts."

This follows the King's appearance at the Festival of Remembrance with the Prince and Princess of Wales, Princess Anne and her husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Lawrence.

He was also accompanied by his youngest brother, Prince Edward, his wife, Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester in the Royal Box at the Royal Albert Hall in Kensington, London.

The annual commemoration concert honours the service and sacrifices made by the British and Commonwealth Armed Forces community.  Their Majesties heard a variety of moving personal testimonies, storytelling, music and performances which expressed the nation’s gratitude to serving personnel, veterans and their families.

There's also a strong emphasis on those who defended the freedoms of the Western world and why it is important to always remember the vital contribution of the Armed Forces.