monarch pays tribute to country’s war dead at cenotaph
Queen leads nation on Remembrance Sunday
Published:
The nation paid its respects to Britain’s war dead yesterday, led by the Queen who marked Remembrance Sunday by a laying a wreath at the Cenotaph.
Acknowledging the ultimate sacrifice made by others, the Queen stood in silence having placed the tribute, a gesture which was then repeated by other royals and political leaders.
This year’s event marks the 90th anniversary of the end of World War I. It was also the first time that the Territorial Army – celebrating its centennial year – had been included in the wreath laying ceremony.
In chilly autumnal conditions the Queen emerged from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in Whitehall, shortly before 11am accompanied by family members.
As Big Ben chimed the hour a cannon was fired from nearby Horse Guard Parade to mark the beginning of a two-minute silence.
The crowd of thousands observed the moment immaculately, with the only sound observed being that of the occasional camera shutter.
After a second gun marked the end of the silence, the monarch approached the Cenotaph, laid a wreath and paused for a moment’s reflection before joining family members.
The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Charles and Prince William – an officer in the Blues and Royals – followed in making the gesture. Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Tory leader David Cameron and Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg, each then laid their wreaths.
A frail-looking Baroness Thatcher, 83, was accompanied by John Major throughout the service and helped back inside by the former PM.
Tony Blair was the only living ex-premier not in attendance at the solemn ceremony.
The former prime minister is currently in Egypt in his role as special envoy of the Middle East Quartet.
In Edinburgh, a two-minute silence took place at 11am at the Stone of Remembrance.
First Minister Alex Salmond then laid a wreath at the memorial. The event was followed by a church service at St Giles Cathedral.
Mr Salmond said: “Remembrance Sunday marks an important time of remembrance and reflection.
“It is a time when we give pause for thought and pay tribute to the many Scottish servicemen and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of our country.”
Right Rev David Lunan, moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, said: “Remembrance Day gives each of us, from all walks of life, from every cultural background, and from every corner of the nation, the opportunity to stop, and reflect, and give silent thanks.”
