Poignant silence led by thousands of veterans around UK mark those lost in war
The King has led the annual act of Remembrance at the Cenotaph in London following a march by 10,000 veterans and defence civilian supporters.
Charles, dressed in his Royal Navy uniform of the Admiral of the Fleet, laid a wreath at the memorial in Whitehall, followed by Prince William, the Princess Royal and Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh.
The Princess of Wales and Duchess of Edinburgh watch solemnly from an overlooking balcony. A notable absence was the Queen, who was ill with a chest infection.
More than 10,000 veterans from 326 armed forces groups represented fallen comrades in the traditional march in the run-up to the national two-minute silence at 11:00.
In London, veteran Susan Alford told BFBS Forces News: "I'm very proud and privileged to have served, and I march for all those who have lost their lives for us.
"I lost two members of my family in World War Two, and my cousin in the Falklands war.
"I remember them all."
Former Royal Navy senior nurse and Royal Air Force flight officer Lesley Harridge said: "I'm marching for the Queen Alexandra's Naval Nursing Service, although I was also in the Royal Air Force. You can't march for both, so I'm marching for the Navy.
"That was my first experience with the forces.
"It just means so much and I'm so proud of all the people who went before us."
A volley from a gun fired by the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery from Horse Guards Parade rang out to signal the start of the two minutes of silent reflection.
The King laid his wreath on behalf of the nation after buglers from the Royal Marines played the Last Post.
Charles was followed in doing so by the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Edinburgh, the Princess Royal, with the Queen's equerry Major Ollie Plunket laying her wreath.
The event in London is the biggest of many services at centotaphs around the country, from city centres to village squares.
The service at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire concluded with the laying of wreaths.
Veterans, serving personnel and members of the public solemnly paid their respects at the Armed Forces Memorial while the Black Voices group sang a medley.
Defence Secretary John Healey said: "It is 10 years since the end of combat operations in Afghanistan and the first time that the Afghanistan association has formed and marched today and we remember in particular the 457 who lost their lives in Afghanistan and the many families that have been bereaved because of that."
On Al Carns, Veterans and People Minster, who served in Afghanistan and has re-enlisted as a Reservist, Mr Healey said: "I couldn't be more proud to have Al Carns as part of our ministerial team.
"He's marching today with his Royal Marines Association and he's a massive asset not just to the Government but to Parliament as so many who have come from the forces on both sides of the House are."
When asked what message he had for veterans, Mr Healey said: "My message is simple, Thank you.
"You worked 24/7 around the world to keep the rest of us safe.
"You put on the uniform, you make that special dedication to service and you're ready to make the ultimate sacrifice as well for our security and our way of life."
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: "As the nation pauses for a two-minute silence, may we reflect on the service, the courage and sacrifice of so many over the generations. They will not be forgotten."
Across the UK, hundreds of services were held in communities, cities and villages as the nation collectively honoured the service of those who came before.
Members of the Armed Forces, including veterans from previous conflicts, lay wreaths at memorials and cenotaphs across Britain.
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