UK observes Armistice Day with nationwide two-minute silence

People across the United Kingdom observed a two-minute silence at 11am on Armistice Day on November 11, 2026, in remembrance of those who died in military conflicts. Ceremonies took place across the country, including at the Cenotaph in London, Westminster Hall and the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.

At Westminster Hall, Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle and Lord Speaker Lord Forsyth of Drumlean laid wreaths at the Angel Memorial. Massachusetts Senate President Karen Spilka joined them and read a poem. Hoyle later attended a Turning the Page ceremony in the House of Commons’ Lower Waiting Hall, remembering Alan Scott Balfour, who died in 1918.

At the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas, Staffordshire, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester laid a wreath and observed the silence. The service was held at the Armed Forces Memorial, also known as the Royal British Legion National Remembrance Gardens. The royal couple later spoke with members of the public who attended, according to one account.

Defence Secretary Wes Streeting attended the Western Front Association’s annual ceremony at the Cenotaph in Whitehall. The ceremony included government and senior international...