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British Royals

Prince Edward takes on special duty for King Charles on Remembrance Sunday

The Duke of Edinburgh salutes during the veterans march past

The Duke of Edinburgh has taken on a special role for his brother, The King, on Remembrance Sunday.

Prince Edward took the salute for the Veterans’ March past which always takes place following the service at the Cenotaph.

Wearing the uniform of the Royal Wessex Yeomanry, Prince Edward saluted as over 10,000 veterans took part in the march which sees them parade past the Cenotaph to pay their own person tribute to those who have lost their lives in war.

The salute took place at Horse Guards Parade, close to the Cenotaph.

On the dais with the Duke of Edinburgh were the Secretary of State for Defence, Wes Streeting, and the National President of the Royal British Legion, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Paul Bennett, CB OBE.

The Duke of Edinburgh salutes
Cpl Jamie Ayling/ Ministry of Defence Crown Copyright

Among those taking part in the march past were members of the Queen’s Own Highlanders Regimental Association.

A dozen World War Two veterans were also in the march past. The number of those who fought in the conflict is growing smaller every year and the veterans of the war, which happened between 1939 and 1945, were given a particularly warm welcome by those watching the spectacular and moving parade.

The veterans handed their wreaths to helpers who placed them around the Cenotaph where they became a carpet of red poppies, in remembrance.

King Charles had led the nation in commemoration, placing his own wreath at the foot of the monument on behalf of all those living in the UK.

Screenshot 2026 11 08 143718
BBC Screen Grab (fair use)

The Prince of Wales and the Princess Royal also laid wreaths as did the Duke of Edinburgh who took part in the main service before moving to Horse Guards for the salute for the veterans.

The Queen and the Princess of Wales had watched the Service of Remembrance from a balcony overlooking Whitehall. Also watching was the 91 year old Duke of Kent, who saw active service in his military career.

The Duke of Kent was with the Duchess of Edinburgh and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence t watch the service at the Cenotaph. The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester also joined the Royal Family for the tribute.

A record number of former Prime Ministers lined up to lay their own wreaths – nine in total, all placing their tributes after the current PM, Andy Burnham, had laid his own wreath.

King Charles looked particularly moved during the service which took place as a mist began to descend over London.

On Saturday evening, the Royal Family had come together at the Royal Albert Hall for the Royal British Legions Service of Remembrance.

About author

Lydia Starbuck is Editor in Chief at Royal Central and the main producer and presenter of the Royal Central Podcast and Royal Central Extra. Lydia is also a pen name of June Woolerton who is a journalist and writer with over twenty years experience in TV, radio, print and online. Her latest book, A History of British Royal Jubilees, is out now. Her new book, The Mysterious Death of Katherine Parr, will be published in March 2024. June is an award winning reporter, producer and editor. She's appeared on outlets including BBC 5 Live, BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Local Radio and has also helped set up a commercial radio station. June is also an accomplished writer with a wide range of material published online and in print. She is the author of two novels, published as e-books. She is also a marriage registrar and ceremony celebrant.