A sea of poppies and military uniforms filled Whitehall as the nation gathered to honour those who have fallen in conflict on Remembrance Sunday. The National Service of Remembrance commenced with a quiet crowd assembling in central London at 9am, as final preparations were made around the Cenotaph. King Charles led the service, joined by other members of the royal family and senior politicians, who laid wreaths to pay tribute to the fallen. Approximately 10,000 armed forces veterans participated in the Royal British Legion's march-past, with around 20 Second World War veterans in attendance, marking 80 years since the end of the conflict. A two-minute silence was observed at 11am, followed by the march starting at 11.25am. Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated, "This Remembrance Sunday, we pause as a nation to honour all those who have served our country. We reflect on the extraordinary courage of our armed forces in the world wars and subsequent conflicts, whose service secured the freedoms we cherish today." Starmer continued, "Eighty years since the end of the Second World War, we remember a generation who stood against tyranny and shaped our future. Their legacy is peace and our duty is to protect it. Such sacrifice deserves more than silence, which is why this Government remains committed to supporting veterans, their families and those who serve." Among the veterans marching was 101-year-old Donald Poole, a Royal Army Ordnance Corps technician who handled defective explosives. Reflecting on his service, he said, "It is a great honour to be able to pay tribute to the poor souls who have died in all conflicts and I know how lucky I am to still be here thanks to all those who have fought and served, past and present." Poole also acknowledged the civilian services during the Second World War, particularly the fire service, stating, "many of whom lost their own." Another veteran, Sid Machin, also 101, is one of the last surviving "Chindit" soldiers from the Burma campaign. He expressed pride in marching at the Cenotaph, saying, "I will be thinking of everyone I served with and especially those that didn't make it home." Eileen Marshall, 98, one of only three female Second World War veterans expected to march, shared her experience in the Women's Royal Naval Service. She remarked, "Serving in the WRNS was one of the happiest times of my life, but also one of the saddest, especially when sailors were lost at sea, including my cousin." Chief of the Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton stated, "From the Cenotaph in London to memorials in towns and villages across the United Kingdom, and wherever our armed forces serve around the world, we pause to remember their courage, their sacrifice and their enduring legacy. We shall remember them." Philippa Rawlinson, director of remembrance at the Royal British Legion, emphasised the importance of the day, saying, "As we come together on Remembrance Sunday, we not only pay tribute to them but to all those who have bravely defended our freedoms and protected our way of life." The day served as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by countless individuals in the name of freedom and peace.