The Bishop of London led prayers of remembrance across the capital this weekend as the country marked Remembrance Sunday. London paid tribute to the sacrifice made by those British and Commonwealth servicemen and women killed and injured in the two world wars and other, more recent conflicts.

The Bishop led the National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, attended by HRH The Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, the Earl and Countess of Wessex and The Princess Royal and other dignitaries, including the Prime Minister and representatives of the Armed Forces.

There, following a volley fired by the First World War era guns of Royal Horse Artillery, they observed the two minutes of silence and laid wreaths of remembrance at the foot of the Cenotaph. The Bishop then led the congregation in a short service and blessing, which was closed by the sounding of the last post.

The ceremony at the Cenotaph was but one of countless services which took place across the Diocese of London this Sunday, which fell silent as churches and organisations held their own services of remembrance to honour the country’s war dead. These services include at St John’s Church Kensal Green, where the Archdeacon of London preached.

The Bishop of London, the Rt
Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally DBE, said:

“Today we remember those who lost their lives defending their country, in the two World Wars and in all conflicts since. Let us pray for them, and pray for those who loved them, past and present.

“This year, I am working with the UK Commission on Bereavement to consider, the impact that grief has on all of us, and to suggest ways that people could be better supported while they mourn the loss of people they love.

“Fallen service men and women are mourned not only by those who knew them, but by the whole country.”