Nation prepares to fall silent in memory of war dead on Remembrance Sunday

12 November 2022, 20:40 | Updated: 12 November 2022, 23:09

The Royals have led the nation's tributes to the war dead
The Royals have led the nation's tributes to the war dead. Picture: Getty

By Adam Solomons

Britain is set to mark Remembrance Sunday with a two-minutes- silence to mourn the war dead.

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The annual silence will take place at 11am as senior Royals and politicians lay wreaths at the Cenotaph in Westminster.

King Charles, the Queen's Consort and the Prince and Princess of Wales were among those in attendance at the Royal British Legion's Festival of Remembrance last night.

The concert is the most high-profile Armistice Day event ahead of the Cenotaph.

A two-minutes' silence will be held to mark Remembrance Sunday
A two-minutes' silence will be held to mark Remembrance Sunday. Picture: Getty
An Armistice Day silhouette is displayed by the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
An Armistice Day silhouette is displayed by the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Picture: Pete Seaward

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murthy were also pictured arriving at the Royal Albert Hall.

Other attendees included Prince Edward and Princess Sophie, Princess Anne, and the Duke of Kent.

The performance began at 7pm. It was televised on BBC One from 9pm.

Artists included tenor Andrea Bocelli, actress Hannah Waddingham and theatre star Marisha Wallace.

Actor Luke Evans opened the show with a stirring performance of I Vow to Thee My Country.

The festival will also include a musical tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II.

Opening the transmission, host Huw Edward said: "We gather at the Royal Albert Hall to recognise the service and the sacrifice of members of the Armed Forces, past and present."

King Charles is pictured arriving at the Royal Albert Hall this evening
King Charles is pictured arriving at the Royal Albert Hall this evening. Picture: Getty
Rishi Sunak and wife Akshata Murthy attend the Royal Albert Hall
Rishi Sunak and wife Akshata Murthy attend the Royal Albert Hall. Picture: Getty
The Prince and Princess of Wales attend tonight's Remembrance event
The Prince and Princess of Wales attend tonight's Remembrance event. Picture: Getty
Camilla, Queen Consort arrives at the event
Camilla, Queen Consort arrives at the event. Picture: Getty

The British Legion said: 'As the nation continues to emerge from a long period of great difficulty, we will reinforce our admiration of the unfailing sense of service displayed by the Armed Forces and commemorate those who gave their service, even at the cost of their lives.'

Alastair Graham, King Charles' former equerry, said: 'He understands the history and the multitude of connections between the sovereign, the Royal Family and the Armed Forces far better, I think, than any member of his staff.

'I think it's an intrinsic part of his role as King and he understands that there is an indelible link to the Armed Forces.'

The Princess and Prince of Wales, King Charles and the Queen Consort make up the front row of the royal box
The Princess and Prince of Wales, King Charles and the Queen Consort make up the front row of the royal box. Picture: Getty
The late Queen Elizabeth attends the event in 2019
The late Queen Elizabeth attends the event in 2019. Picture: Getty