Remembrance

Wreath laid in honour of those who served in both World Wars on Commonwealth Day

Watch: The Chief of the Defence Staff and the Chief of the Air Staff lay the wreath in London during the Commonwealth Day ceremony.

Soldiers and members of the public gathered to pay their respects during a ceremony held at Hyde Park, London, to mark Commonwealth Day 2023.

Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin and Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston were present to lay the wreaths during the ceremony to honour the memory of those who served during both World Wars.

The commemoration is for all the men and women from the Commonwealth who served with the British Armed Forces during the First and Second World Wars.

The service chiefs were joined by High Commissioners and the Secretary General of the Commonwealth at the ceremony.

Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, said: "This memorial stands as a solemn reminder of the many lives lost to these wars and the ties of kinship built through great hardship that binds the Commonwealth family.

"This Commonwealth Day, we mark the tenth anniversary of the signing of the Commonwealth Charter, a historic document that encapsulates the values and aspirations which unite the Commonwealth, values that caution us not to repeat the mistakes of the past but demand that we always work for a more sustainable and peaceful world.

"Our charter commits our member states to the development of free and democratic societies and the promotion of peace and prosperity to improve the lives of all the people of the Commonwealth."

She added: "Together in the Commonwealth, we work to realise these aspirations and values to build a safer, fairer, more prosperous, and peaceful future."

The wreath-laying ceremony was held in London to mark Commonwealth Day 2023.

Commonwealth Day marks the beginning of a week-long series of events and activities happening around the world – including faith and civic gatherings, debates, school assemblies, flag-raising ceremonies and cultural events.

This year marks the tenth anniversary of the signing of the Commonwealth Charter, which was signed by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on 11 March 2013.

This is the first Commonwealth Day since the Queen's passing, and the first presided over by His Majesty King Charles III as King and Head of the Commonwealth.