The King called on his youngest brother, the Duke of Edinburgh, to take on an important duty on Remembrance Sunday.
Prince Edward took the salute at the Veterans’ parade that saw around 10,000 former service men and women march past the Cenotaph.
There was applause for the veterans as they made their own tribute to those who had lost their lives.
Many brought wreaths that were passed to serving military personnel who placed them on the Cenotaph.
The march past took in Horse Guards Parade where the Duke of Edinburgh was waiting to salute all those taking part.
Earlier, the Duke had laid his own wreath during the Remembrance Sunday ceremony.
King Charles laid a wreath on behalf of the nation and appeared emotional as he stepped back to salute at the Cenotaph.
An equerry then stepped forward to lay a wreath for Queen Camilla.
The Prince of Wales, only just back from an official visit to Brazil, laid a wreath emblazoned with the three feathers of his crest.
The Princess of Wales, next to Queen Camilla, watched from a balcony overlooking Whitehall.
A wreath was also laid on behalf of the Duke of Kent. The Duke, who turned 90 just weeks ago, watched from another balcony alongside the Duchess of Edinburgh.
There were also tributes from politicians and High Commissioners with the Cenotaph soon surrounded by circles of red poppies and brightly coloured flowers, all laid in tribute to those who have given their lives for their country.
On the eve of Remembrance Sunday, King Charles and Queen Camilla had been at the Royal Albert Hall for the Festival of Remembrance.
For the first time, Prince George attended this annual tradition, arriving with his mum, the Princess of Wales.
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester were also present.
Princess Anne is in Australia and has paid her own tributes at Remembrance Sunday services there.
