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When the UK will observe a two-minute silence

Why poppies are worn and why Armistice Day falls on November 11

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Poppies and crosses in the Field of Remembrance next to the War Memorial at All Saints Church, Northampton on Armistice Day.
Poppies have become a sign of hope and loss. Picture: Alamy

By William Mata

The UK is set to observe Armistice Day on Tuesday, November 11, with gatherings and tributes around the country to remember the Fallen.

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Sydney, Australia. 11th Nov, 2025. NSW Minister for Veterans David Harris (left), and Acting President RSL NSW Brigadier Vincent Williams CSC Ret'd
Remembrance Day is marked all over the world - including in Sydney. Picture: Alamy

Local authorities around the UK are organising events to mark Armistice Day and have publicised information about gatherings.

Lord Mayor of Westminster Paul Dimoldenberg - who is leading a gathering in the London borough - said: “As we pause to think about historic conflicts and those former service personnel who continue to live with the physical and mental scars, it will be a powerful and public way to show our continued thanks.”

Here are all of the key details.

Britain's Prince William, left, King Charles III second from right, and Prince Edward, right, attend the Remembrance Sunday ceremony at the Cenotaph on Whitehall in central London, Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025. (Chris Jackson/Pool Photo via AP)
Prince William and King Charles were present for a wreath laying on Remembrance Sunday. Picture: Alamy

When is Armistice Day?

November 11, 1918, is acknowledged as the day that the First World War ended - and a two-minute silence is frequently observed from 11am on this date.

It is also a time to remember those who lost their lives in service of Britain and its allies in the Second World War and all subsequent conflicts.

The first Armistice Day was a Sunday and is now known as Remembrance Sunday, but it is not often that this aligns - so there are usually two dates to mark the occasion.

Poppies are often worn as the flower grew on much of the land in France and Belgium where there had been fighting during the First World War. It has become a symbol of loss and hope.