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

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

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

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.

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."

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.'