Oh, look – David Cameron didn't send Norman Tebbit instead

The Times on-line (London) November 9, 2008

Queen leads nation in remembrance on 90th anniversary of end of First World War

The Queen led the nation in acknowledging the ultimate sacrifice made by Britain’s war dead at today’s Remembrance Sunday ceremony. The monarch joined senior royals, Gordon Brown and other political leaders in laying wreaths at the Cenotaph Memorial in Whitehall, central London. The solemn gesture took place in front of thousands of veterans who also gathered to pay their respects at this year’s event, which marks the 90th anniversary of the end of the First World War.

For the first time, the Territorial Army – which is celebrating its 100th anniversary – was granted the privilege of also laying a wreath at the monument. The Queen stood solemnly at 11 o’clock as the nation marked a two-minute silence in memory of those who have perished defending the country. After a cannon marked the end of the silence, the monarch approached the Cenotaph, laying a wreath and pausing for a moment’s reflection before joining family members. The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Charles and Prince William – an officer in the Blues and Royals – followed in making the gesture, each saluting as they did so.

The Prime Minister, Conservative leader David Cameron and Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg, each then laid their wreaths. A frail-looking Baroness Thatcher, 83, was accompanied by former prime minister John Major throughout the service.