Today’s two-minute silence is an especially poignant one, as it marks 100 years since King George ordered the first silence, one year after World War One ended. He made the request so “the thoughts of everyone may be concentrated on reverent remembrance of the glorious dead”.

What is the significance of the eleventh hour?

The moment of silence is held at 11am as World War One officially ended at 11am on the 11th day of the 11th month, in 1918.

The silence is now held on Remembrance Sunday, the second Sunday each November, so those all around the world can mark the moment with quiet reflection.

The Royal British Legion has urged the nation to pause their daily activities to join in the act of remembrance on Sunday.

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This moment of silence starts the service at the Cenotaph memorial in London.

The service will honour the Armed Forces community, British and Commonwealth veterans, the Allies that fought alongside the UK and the civilian servicemen and women involved in the two World Wars and later conflicts.

This year’s remembrance also marks 75 years since the great battles of 1944, including Monte Cassino, Kohima and Imphal, D-Day and the collaboration of Commonwealth and Allied forces.

Also being honoured is the 100th anniversary of the Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) “and the role of the secret services whose courage and work is so often unknown”.

Politicians and royals will be in attendance, as election campaigning and family feuds are out side for the day.

Five former prime ministers – Sir John Major, Tony Blair, Gordon Brown, David Cameron and Theresa May – are also set to attend.

Prince Charles will lay a wreath during the service on behalf of the Queen, who will watch from a balcony.

After wreaths are laid, Bishop of London Dame Sarah Mullally will lead a service that will end with the Royal Air Force sounding the bugle call, Rouse.

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Remembrance Day

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Also in attendance will be the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

Following the service, up to 10,000 war veterans will march in a slow procession past the war memorial.

Elsewhere, Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will lay a wreath at the Stone of Remembrance at Edinburgh City Chambers before giving a reading at the service at St Giles’ Cathedral.

Other ceremonies will take place at war memorials and churches throughout the country, as well as abroad.

Members of the Royal Family have already attended Remembrance events this week.

Prince Harry, Meghan, Prince William and Kate joined the Queen at London’s Royal Albert Hall on Saturday for the Festival of Remembrance.

This was their first appearance as a group since Harry and Meghan said they were struggling with public life.

However, the couples weren’t seen talking all evening and sat far apart from each other for the event.

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