King Charles leads Remembrance Sunday service - latest updates

King Charles led Royal Family at Remembrance Day service

Today, King Charles led Brits in commemorating the Remembrance Day service and sacrifice of those men and women who fell while defending Great Britain and protecting our way of life.

Remembrance Sunday's main event took place at the Cenotaph in Whitehall - a physical reminder of all the servicemen who have served and sacrificed, including members of the emergency services and civilians who may have lost their lives in the line of duty fighting terror on the domestic front.

An emotional looking Charles made his way towards the Cenotaph, closely followed by the Princess Royal and William, the Prince of Wales. Wearing the uniform of The Marshal of the Royal Air Force with greatcoat, poppy and sword, Charles laid a wreath similar to the one produced for King George.

Seven charged following the Pro-Palestinian demonstration and counter protest

Seven people have been charged following the major policing operation in central London on Saturday. Investigations continue into a number of other incidents.

Officers made 145 arrests during the Pro-Palestinian demonstration and counter protest by right-wing groups for offences including assault, possession of weapons, criminal damage, public order, inciting racial hatred and possession of drugs.

The charges so far follow investigations led by detectives from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command and the Public Order Crime Team.

Police issue appeal after racial incident at Waterloo Station

Police issued an appeal to find four individuals after a racially aggravated altercation at Waterloo Station on Armistice Day.

In a statement, British Transport Police said: “Officers are looking to speak to the individuals in the images who they believe may have information that could help their investigation.

“Anyone who may be able to help us identify them is asked to contact British Transport Police by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40, quoting reference number 217 of 12/11/2023.

“You can submit information anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Speed-up UK weapons production to replace arms sent to Ukraine, warns Labour

Nuclear test veterans marched today and wore a medal acknowledging their contribution for first time

Nuclear test veterans wore a medal acknowledging their contribution for first time as they marched today.

Those exposed to the effects of nuclear bombs during the UK's testing programme were given a medal - after a 70-year wait for recognition. The medal depicts an atom surrounded by olive branches, for the Remembrance Sunday service.

More than 300 armed forces and civilian organisations are represented, as well as 300 veterans not affiliated with an association who have been invited to join for the first time.

General view of the veteran parade during the National Service of Remembrance at The Cenotaph (Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

Suella Braverman finally thanks police officers hours later

Home Secretary Suella Braverman has finally thanked the "brave police officers" after yesterday's protests.

All day politicians have criticised Ms Braverman for her failure to comment after being accused of stoking tensions ahead of the Armistice Day protests yesterday.

Her following comment failed to mention the far-right "counter-protesters" who made up the majority of the arrests.

She wrote on Twitter: "Our brave police officers deserve the thanks of every decent citizen for their professionalism in the face of violence and aggression from protesters and counter protesters in London yesterday. That multiple officers were injured doing their duty is an outrage.

"The sick, inflammatory and, in some cases, clearly criminal chants, placards and paraphernalia openly on display at the march mark a new low. Antisemitism and other forms of racism together with the valorising of terrorism on such a scale is deeply troubling.

"This can’t go on. Week by week, the streets of London are being polluted by hate, violence, and antisemitism. Members of the public are being mobbed and intimidated. Jewish people in particular feel threatened. Further action is necessary"

Leader of the SNP accused of 'disrespecting' war dead by not singing natinal anthem

The leader of the Scottish National Party in Westminster has been accused of disrespect after refusing sing the national anthem at the Cenotaph earlier.

Flynn was silent as other political leaders, including Rishi Sunak, Keir Starmer, and former prime ministers, sang God Save the King.

The Telegraph reported that in previous years, Ian Blackford - Flynn's predecessor - sang along with the anthem.

Stephen Flynn arriving at the Cenotaph today (TS/GoffPhotos.com)

Yvette Cooper 'shocked' by Rishi Sunak's failure to thank police

Yvette Cooper, the shadow home secretary, says she was "shocked" that the UK prime minister failed to thank police officers for the 126 arrests made during yesterday's chaotic day of protests.

Speaking to Sky, she said the government was making it "harder for the police to do their jobs".

Ms Cooper had earlier slammed her Tory counterpart who is being blamed for stoking up tensions between left and right wing protesters ahead of Armistice Day.

(Getty Images)

Liz Truss cropped out of image of former PMs

Former Prime Minister Theresa May has shared a photo of former Prime Ministers together at the Cenotaph - with one figure missing.

Mrs May posted an image on Twitter showing Boris Johnson, herself, David Cameron, Gordon Brown, Sir Tony Blair and Sir John Major earlier today. But it was quickly spotted that flash-in-pan PM Liz Truss had been cropped out.

Eagle-eyed users were quick to spot this. One posted: "Theresa May cropping Liz Truss out the ex-PMs photo is very, very funny." Another wrote: "Thank you for cropping out Liz Truss. Next time get Boris out too."

It is unclear whether this was deliberate. Alongside the picture of the six former PMs, which also features current incumbent Rishi Sunak, Mrs May wrote: "Each year on Remembrance Sunday, we assemble at the Cenotaph to honour the sacrifice of the fallen and pay tribute to the servicemen & women we place in harm’s way. Today - as every day - we will remember them."

Each year on Remembrance Sunday, we assemble at the Cenotaph to honour the sacrifice of the fallen and pay tribute to the servicemen & women we place in harm’s way.

Today - as every day - we will remember them. #LestWeForget pic.twitter.com/aJ4Hjkm1C0

— Theresa May (@theresa_may) November 12, 2023

Grant Shapps fails to back Suella Braverman's survival as Home Secretary

As Suella Braverman remains under fire for stoking tensions ahead of Armistice Day protests, the Defence Secretary Grant Shapps stayed on the fence and refused to comment on his colleague's position.

Speaking to Sky News, Mr Shapps said: “As you know, and I know well, a week’s a long time in politics. I never make predictions about these things.”

“The make-up of the Cabinet is entirely a matter for the Prime Minister.

“He will decide that in his own time.”

Meanwhile, Labour's shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper said Ms Braverman's comments undermined her position and she can't stay in the job.

She blamed the ugly scenes in London on Mrs Braverman’s “appalling and unprecedented attack” on the Metropolitan Police’s operational independence and impartiality.

“I don’t see how she can continue to do this job, she does not have the credibility or the authority to do the serious job of Home Secretary,” Ms Cooper said.

Met worked 'through the night' to secure the Cenotaph

Officers from the Metropolitan Police reportedly 'worked through the night' to secure Cenotaph

They made sure the surrounding area was "secure" for today's Remembrance cermemony and the march.

A spokesperson wrote on X: "Officers worked through the night to secure the area and are on duty this morning making sure all those attending to remember the fallen can do so safely and without disruption.

"They will remain in the area throughout the day for the reassurance of all who will be coming to pay their respects. If you are in the area and notice anything unusual or suspicious please do not hesitate to speak to officers. In an emergency, dial 999."

Why Kate Middleton wore three poppies to emotional Remembrance Day ceremony at Cenotaph

The Princess of Wales stood alongside Queen Camilla at today's moving Remembrance Day service at the Cenotaph in Whitehall to pay tribute to the war dead. While Kate looked incredibly elegant as she watched from the balcony of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, many fans questioned why she was wearing three poppies.

Unlike King Charles and other members of the Royal Family who wore one simple poppy on their uniforms, Kate added several of the flowers and a diamond brooch to her outfit to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in the World Wars and other conflicts.

Despite never being confirmed by the palace, one theory is that the royals wear multiple brooches in honour of family members who have fought and died in wars.

You can read the rest of our story, HERE

Man started repairing Liverpool's bomb damage as a child

It's been almost 80 years since Liverpool as it was known to a generation became unrecognisable as World War II took its toll.

Many from the area went to war, buildings were destroyed, families were separated and the impact was still seen in the years to follow. Stories of this time continue to be passed down through the generations but fewer and fewer experienced what life was like then in Liverpool.

Born on March 10, 1926, Ernie Gaskell, now 97, was one of thousands of children who had their education disrupted and saw the Liverpool they had grown up in change before their eyes. As a teenager Ernie, from Kirkdale, began working and repairing bomb damage in the city and further afield, before volunteering for the Royal Navy.

"I left school at 13 on account of the war starting and my education finished then. When I was 14 , I started working, repairing bomb damage in Liverpool. The bomb damage was terrible, " he told the ECHO.

"I remember twice being in the cinema watching a film and there being air raids. I went to watch a film with my good friend George and there was a huge explosion.

"The cinema filled with smoke and a notice came on the screen - ridiculous as it sounds - saying you could stay to watch the film and most people did. It wasn't until we stepped outside that we saw the wreckage.

"We found out later two girls queuing at the box office were killed. Another time when we came out and we were looking down from Walton where we were - Liverpool seemed to be on fire."

You can read the rest of the ECHO's story, HERE.

Nuclear test veterans seen being honoured for first time

Nuclear test veterans were among those marching today. For the first time, they're wering medals to acknowledge their contribution.

They have waited seven decades for the recognition after they were exposed to nuclear material during the UK's testing programme. Their medal depicts an atom surrounded by olive branches.

Allan Williams, nuclear test veteran from Operation Grapple, Christmas Island, is at the Cenotaph in the drizzle ready to remember his comrades from the 1957-58 nuclear tests #nucleartestveteran #Cenotaph #lestweforget2023 #wewillrememberthem #veteran #thankyouforyourservice pic.twitter.com/qtGs4hduuy

— Ceri Marsh (@ceri_mcdade) November 12, 2023

Village pays tribute to only man to die in WWI as family receive stolen medal replicas

A village came together yesterday to honour its only fallen son from World War One - with his family in attendance to receive recreations of his stolen medals.

Private Jesse Levett died in combat in 1918, aged 20 - the only resident of Arlington, East Sussex to lose his life in the Great War.

Sadly the young soldier's medals were stolen from St Pancras Church in the village during the 1970s.

But, after the efforts of the Arlington Museum, Pvt Levett's descendants now have recreations of his service medals.

The honours were presented to 18 of his relatives: five from Hereford; four from Carmarthen in Wales; three from Wellingborough; three from Chichester; and three more from Steyning in Sussex.

Photograph of WWI soldier Private Jesse Levett (David Budgen / SWNS)

Met Police hunting down protesters who carried 'anti-Semitic' flags yesterday

The Metropolitan Police says it's hunting down protesters seen holding anti-Semitic flags at the pro-Palestine solidarity rally yesterday.

Among the protesters were two men seen wearing Hamas uniformas, including the green head bandana. Another woman held a placard with the Star of David and a Swastika mashed together.

Following today's pro-Palestinian demonstration we're looking to identifying individuals in the thread below.
Anyone who can help us identify this person should call 101, giving reference 1235186/23.
Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111 pic.twitter.com/7JzXWlF6gi

— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) November 11, 2023

PM's statement on 'hard-earned' peace

In a statement marking today's Remembrance Sunday ceremony, Rishi Sunak has said "recent events" show we cannot take our peace for granted.

“The courage and commitment shown by our servicemen and women, both today and throughout the generations that came before them, is humbling and I know many across the country will be honouring their memory today in quiet reflection," the prime minister said.

“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.”

Suella Braverman lays wreath at Cenotaph 24 hours after it was stormed by thugs she's accused of inciting

Dithering Rishi Sunak is still weighing up whether to sack the Home Secretary after she penned a scathing attack on police chiefs. Despite the controversy she stood alongside war heroes, the King, the PM and senior colleagues as the nation fell silent to remember the fallen.

Yesterday far-right "counter protesters" clashed with police at the memorial in Whitehall. Critics have blamed Ms Braverman for inciting the thugs by claiming force bosses show a "double standard" in the way left and right wing protesters are treated.

Scuffles broke out as police attempted to stop a crowd of people carrying St George's flags marching along Embankment towards Whitehall, where the Cenotaph is located, shortly after 10am. The group, which had been chanting "England till I die" pushed through the police barrier, with some shouting "let's have them" as officers hit out with batons. Some chanted anti-Islamic slurs.

London mayor Sadiq Khantold The Sunday Mirror : "The scenes we witnessed involving the far right were a direct result of the Home Secretary's words and behaviour. The vast majority of the over 300,000 pro-Palestinian protesters estimated to have marched were peaceful, but the police also had to deal with completely unacceptable behaviour from some, including antisemitism."

You can read the rest of our story, HERE

Major Royal Family member misses Cenotaph Remembrance

The Duke of Kent, 88, missed today's Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph and will stay at home due to "episodic mobility problems." His equerry, Captain George Hopkins of the Scots Guards, lay a wreath on his behalf today.

Prince Edward also missed the Festival of Remembrance last night at the Royal Albert Hall, which was attended by senior royals.

Meaning behind the Cenotaph

The Cenotaph, which stands proud in the centre of Whitehall, was designed as an empty tomb.

Its creators said that the absence inside would allow families, friends, comrades and colleagues to fill it with their own memories of those who lost their lives while serving.

Limbless veterans and Chelsea "in-pensioners" salute as they march past

Veterans who lost their limbs in conflict have also just marched past the Cenotaph, many of them on mobility scooters.

They were followed by the "in-pensioners" of the Royal Chelsea Hospital.

Some of those who were unable to walk and in wheelchairs were pushed along by their comrades.

Veterans and serving forces march past Cenotaph

The thousands-strong march of current and former armed forces personnel were seen marching past and saluting the Cenotaph in memory of the war dead today.

One of the main parts of today's remembrance service is the opportunity for veterans to pay their respects.

The Irish Guards, Gurkhas, Scots Guards and Grenadier Guards are among the companies that have already marched past.

Liz Truss among prime ministers stood at the Cenotaph

Seven living former Prime Ministers today stood at the Cenotaph - the largest number in history.

For the second year in a row Liz Truss, Boris Johnson, Theresa May, David Cameron, Gordon Brown, Sir Tony Blair and Sir John Major lined up for the national Remembrance Sunday service on Whitehall, led by the King. It is convention for former Prime Ministers to attend the service in memory of the nation’s war dead.

However, the number of surviving ex-premiers has swelled after seven years of turmoil which has had five occupants of 10 Downing. Ms Truss occupies an unusual place in their ranks, as her 49-day premiership - the shortest in British history - was so brief that she never laid a wreath on the Cenotaph as PM.

You can read the rest of our story HERE

(POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Other royals laid wreaths including Prince William and Princess Anne

Other royals that lay wreaths at the base of the monument were Prince William. His wreath featured the white Prince of Wales feathers and bears a ribbon in "Welsh red". Prince Edward and Princess Anne also laid wreaths, while Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester watched from the Foreign Office.

The Duchess of Edinburgh (left) and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence stand on a balcony at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) (PA)

Kate's three poppies could be to remember lost family members

While the reason the Princess of Wales always chooses to wear several poppies to Remembrance events has never been revealed, many believe the reason stems from her wish to pay tribute to lost family members. Kate's great-grandmother had three brothers who were all killed in action during World War One and the Princess had the opportunity to view letters from her ancestors during an emotional visit to the Imperial War Museum in 2018.

Other female members of the Royal Family often choose to do the same. The late Queen would famously wear a collection of five poppies to the Cenotaph which many believed was her way of paying tribute to the five branches of service, these include: the Army, the Royal Navy and the RAF.

Britain's Queen Camilla and Kate, Princess of Wales, (AP)

Sombre Kate Middleton wears three poppies as she joins Queen Camilla for Remembrance

A solemn Princess of Wales wore three poppies as she joined Queen Camilla as they paid their respects on Remembrance Sunday.

The two women took their traditional spot on a balcony of the Foreign Office, which overlooks the Cenotaph in Central London, to watch the emotional service. Both wrapped up against the chilly weather in elegant black coats and hats, with both wearing pearl jewellery.

Unlike King Charles and other members of the Royal Family who wore one simple poppy on their uniforms, Kate added several of the flowers to her outfit to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in the World Wars and other conflicts.

You can read the rest of our story HERE

Members of the Royal Family attend the annual Remembrance Sunday Service at The Cenotaph on Whitehall. (Max Mumby)

King Charles III leaves Cenotaph to escort royals back to foreign office

With a salute, King Charles III has left the Cenotaph and will escort the royal family back to the foreign and commonwealth development office.

He is followed by members of the clergy and government representatives. The former prime ministers followed behind the current lawmakers.

National anthem God Save the King played at base of the Cenotaph

Those gathered at the base of the Cenotaph are currently singing the national anthem.

(POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Prayer service begins

The Lord Bishop of London Sarah Mullaly is currently speaking as part of a short prayer service for the fallen war dead.

Ireland and Nepal last of countries to lay wreaths

The ambassadors of Ireland and Nepal - who've had a unique relationship with the British Armed Forces - were the two last countries to lay wreaths this morning.

At some points in history, as many as a forty per cent of Army recruits were from Ireland.

The Gurkhas from Nepal were admired by the British armed forces for their military abilities and honourable tactics. They first recruited in 1815. Nepal is considered Britain's "oldest ally" in Asia.

Commonwealth countries lay their wreaths

We're currently seeing a number of current and former Commonwealth countries laying their wreaths at the foot of the Cenotaph.

Many of the countries lost huge amounts of citizens fighting in the world wars and during the conflicts that followed.