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The King led a Remembrance Day service at the Cenotaph this morning, surrounded by thousands of veterans and members of the public.

He joined the country in commemorating the end of the First World War and other conflicts involving British and Commonwealth forces.

Almost 10,000 veterans and 800 armed forces personnel from all three services took part in a march-past, with a two-minute silence across the UK at 11am.

Wreaths were laid by members of the Royal Family, senior politicians and dignitaries at the Cenotaph.

(left to right) Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, former prime minister Liz Truss, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, former prime minister Boris Johnson, and former prime minister Theresa May during the Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph, in Whitehall, London. Picture date: Sunday November 12, 2023.
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(left to right) Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, former prime minister Liz Truss, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, and former prime ministers Boris Johnson and Theresa May

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak (right) and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer (left) hold wreaths during the Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph, in Whitehall, London. Picture date: Sunday November 12, 2023.
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Queen Camilla and Catherine, the Princess of Wales

They were joined by thousands of members of the public lining Whitehall to watch the service.

Nuclear test veterans, who for the first time will wear a medal acknowledging their contribution, were among those attending.

After 70 years of waiting for recognition, those exposed to the effects of nuclear bombs during the UK’s testing programme were given a medal – depicting an atom surrounded by olive branches – for the Remembrance Sunday service.

Veterans prepare in Horse Guards to take part in the Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph, in Whitehall, London. Picture date: Sunday November 12, 2023. PA Photo. See PA story MEMORIAL Remembrance. Photo credit should read: Victoria Jones/PA Wire

More than 300 different armed forces and civilian organisations were represented, as well as some 300 veterans not affiliated with an association who have been invited to join for the first time.

They also marked 70 years since the end of fighting in the Korean War and 20 years since the start of the UK’s military operations in Iraq.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said ahead of the service: “The courage and commitment shown by our servicemen and women, both today and throughout the generations that came before them, is humbling and I know many across the country will be honouring their memory today in quiet reflection.”

King Charles III during the Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph, in Whitehall, London. Picture date: Sunday November 12, 2023.
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King Charles III

The Prince of Wales during the Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph in London. Picture date: Sunday November 12, 2023.
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The Prince of Wales during the Remembrance Sunday service

Mr Sunak said recent events served as a “stark reminder that we cannot take the hard-earned peace we live in for granted”.

Watch full coverage on Sky News from 10.30am with Sally Lockwood and royal commentator Alastair Bruce. Sky channel 501, Virgin Media HD 602, Freeview 233, the Sky News website and app or YouTube.

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UK falls silent for Armistice Day

Memorial marred by protests

This weekend’s services have been marred by protests, with 126 arrests made – including at least 92 right-wing counter-protesters – according to the Metropolitan Police.

The force has been under pressure to prevent disruption at events after tensions surrounding Saturday’s pro-Palestine march and counter-protests.

The number of officers on duty in the capital is double the usual amount, with 1,375 officers expected today, and the Cenotaph has a dedicated 24-hour police presence until the conclusion of Remembrance events.

Counter-protesters clash with police in Parliament Square in central London, during pro-Palestinian protest march which is taking place from Hyde Park to the US embassy in Vauxhall. Picture date: Saturday November 11, 2023.
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Counter-protesters clash with police in Parliament Square in central London

People set off fireworks during a pro-Palestinian protest in London, marching from Hyde Park to the US embassy in Vauxhall. Picture date: Saturday November 11, 2023.
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People set off fireworks during a pro-Palestinian protest in London

Around 150 pro-Palestinian protesters were intercepted on Saturday night after breaking away from the main group following a 300,000-strong march through central London. It is understood that not all of these people were arrested.

Police are “actively looking” for individuals seen carrying antisemitic placards at the demonstration, which they said remained “largely peaceful”.

The marches have become a feature of weekends in the capital since Israel struck back against Hamas after the group, a proscribed terrorist organisation in the UK, killed 1,400 Israelis and took hundreds hostage.

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Latest police clashes with protesters

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Braverman saga rumbles on

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Braverman asked if she will resign

The prime minister remains under pressure to sack Home Secretary Suella Braverman after she branded the pro-Palestine protests “hate marches” in an article in The Times.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer accused her of “sowing the seeds of hatred” and Mayor of London Sadiq Khan also called for her to be relieved of her post.

Home Secretary Suella Braverman holds a wreath during the Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph, in Whitehall, London. Picture date: Sunday November 12, 2023.
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Home Secretary Suella Braverman

Her comments have also caused a rift in the Conservative party, with numerous Tories privately calling for her to be given the boot, while former Tory MP Dominic Grieve has publicly called for her to be removed and even barred from laying a wreath at the Remembrance service.

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Lingering dread over what else about Prince Andrew could still emerge

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Lingering dread over what else about Prince Andrew could still emerge

Just a cursory glance at the headlines, and it’s clear the disgrace and downfall of Prince Andrew is not over.

So what next for the man and the monarchy?

The King might have hoped his involvement showed direct action had been taken.

He certainly does not want any distraction from his upcoming state visit to the Vatican.

But that might be wishful thinking.

Now the Met Police has been dragged in too. Forced to look into reports in the Mail on Sunday that Andrew asked his protection officer to smear his accuser, Virginia Giuffre.

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Police ‘looking into’ Andrew claims

The prince allegedly wanted his officer “to dig up dirt” and told an aide at the palace what he had done.

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Let’s be clear: back then, Andrew’s security was funded by the taxpayer.

So are we reaching the endgame, and what does that look like?

Andrew might have given up the use of his title, Duke of York, and other honours too.

Read more:
Call for Prince Andrew to ‘live in exile’

How Prince Andrew allegations unfolded
Everything we know about titles decision

But what about his style ‘prince’? Some want that ditched too.

It’s a complicated but not impossible process. Andrew could, of course, just stop using it voluntarily.

Some want him to give up his home, too. For a non-working royal, the stately Royal Lodge, with its plum position on the Windsor Estate, is an uncomfortable optic.

Andrew’s wider family is worried. The Sunday Times has reported that the Prince of Wales wants him cut off completely.

With the reputation of the monarchy at risk, William does not want to appear weak. He’s putting loyalty to “the firm” firmly above his familial relationships.

Prince Andrew has always strongly denied the allegations, and restated on Friday: “I vigorously deny the accusations against me”. Sky News has approached him for comment on the fresh allegations set out in the Mail on Sunday.

But with Virginia Giuffre’s tragic death and posthumous memoir due out on Tuesday, Buckingham Palace will be braced for more scandal.

When Andrew gave up his titles, there was certainly a sense of relief.

There is now a sense of dread over what else could emerge.

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Why Andrew hasn’t given up being a prince – amid call for him to ‘live in exile’

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Why Andrew hasn't given up being a prince - amid call for him to 'live in exile'

Sky News’ royal commentator has explained why Prince Andrew has not given up being called a prince – while another expert has said “the decent thing” for him to do would be “go into exile” overseas.

Andrew announced on Friday that he would stop using his Duke of York title and relinquish all other honours, including his role as a Royal Knight Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter.

However, he will continue to be known as a prince.

Royal commentator Alastair Bruce said that while Andrew’s other honours and titles were conferred to him later in life, he became a prince when he was born to Elizabeth II while she was queen.

He told presenter Kamali Melbourne: “I think […] that style was quite special to the late Queen,” he said. “And perhaps the King, for the moment, thinks that can be left alone.

“It’s a matter really for the King, for the royal household, perhaps with the guidance and advice of government, which I’m sure they are taking.”

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Who pushed Andrew to drop his titles?

Since Andrew’s announcement, there has been speculation over whether any further measures will be taken – and one author has now called for him to “go into exile”.

More on Prince Andrew

Andrew Lownie, author of The Rise And Fall Of The House Of York, said: “The only way the story will go away is if he leaves Royal Lodge, goes into exile abroad with his ex-wife, and is basically stripped of all his honours, including Prince Andrew.”

Royal Lodge is the Windsor mansion Andrew lives in with his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, who has also lost her Duchess of York title.

Andrew and his former wife continue to live on the Windsor estate. Pic: Reuters
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Andrew and his former wife continue to live on the Windsor estate. Pic: Reuters

Mr Lownie continued: “He makes out he’s an honourable man and he’s putting country and family first. Well, if he is, then the optics look terrible for the monarchy. A non-working royal in a 30-room Crown Estate property with a peppercorn rent.

“He should do the decent thing and go. And frankly, he should go into exile.”

Mr Lownie added if the Royal Family “genuinely want to cut links, they have to put pressure on him to voluntarily get out”.

Read more from Sky News:
How Prince Andrew allegations unfolded
William and Camilla’s influential roles

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Windsor’s take on Prince Andrew

Andrew’s decision to stop using his titles was announced amid renewed scrutiny of his relationship with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, and fresh stories linked to the late Virginia Giuffre.

Ms Giuffre, who was trafficked by Epstein, alleged she was sexually assaulted by Andrew on three occasions – which he has always vigorously denied.

The former duke paid to settle a civil sexual assault case with Ms Giuffre in 2022, despite insisting he had never met her.

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Families whose loved ones took their lives after buying poison online write to PM

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Families whose loved ones took their lives after buying poison online write to PM

Bereaved families whose loved ones took their own lives after buying the same poison online have written to the prime minister demanding urgent action.

Warning: This article contains references to suicide

The group claims there have been “multiple missed opportunities” to shut down online forums that promote suicide and dangerous substances.

They warn that over 100 people have died after purchasing a particular poison in the last 10 years.

Among those who have written to Downing Street is Pete Aitken, whose daughter Hannah was 22 when she took her own life after buying the poison from a website.

Hannah was autistic and had ADHD. She was treated in six different mental health hospitals over a four-year period.

Mr Aitken recently spoke to Sky News around the second anniversary of Hannah’s death.

More on Mental Health

He said: “Autistic people seem to be most vulnerable to this kind of sort of poison and, you know, wanting to take their lives.”

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Pete Aitken speaking to Sky News

Sky News is not naming the poison, but Hannah was able to buy a kilogram of it online. Just one gram is potentially fatal.

“There’s this disparity between the concentration required for its legitimate use and that required for ending your life. And it seems quite clear you could make a distinction,” Mr Aitken said.

Analysis from the Molly Rose Foundation and the group Families and Survivors to Prevent Online Suicide Harms says at least 133 people have died because of the poison. It also says coroners have written warnings about the substance on 65 separate occasions.

The report accuses the Home Office of failing to strengthen the regulation of the poison and says not enough is being done to close dangerous suicide forums online.

Lawyers representing the group want a public inquiry into the deaths.

In a joint letter to the prime minister, the families said: “We write as families whose loved ones were let down by a state that was too slow to respond to the threat.

“This series of failings requires a statutory response, not just to understand why our loved ones died but also to prevent more lives being lost in a similar way.”

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The group’s lawyer, Merry Varney, from Leigh Day, said: “The government is rightly committed to preventing deaths through suicide, yet despite repeated warnings of the risks posed by an easily accessible substance, fatal in small quantities and essentially advertised on online forums, no meaningful steps have been taken.”

Hannah's dad is one of the family members to have signed the letter
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Hannah’s dad is one of the family members to have signed the letter

A government spokesperson said: “Suicide devastates families and we are unequivocal about the responsibilities online services have to keep people safe on their platforms.

“Under the Online Safety Act, services must take action to prevent users from accessing illegal suicide and self-harm content and ensure children are protected from harmful content that promotes it.

“If they fail to do so, they can expect to face robust enforcement, including substantial fines.”

They added that the position is “closely monitored and reportable under the Poisons Act, meaning retailers must alert authorities if they suspect it is being bought to cause harm”.

“We will continue to keep dangerous substances under review to ensure the right safeguards are in place,” they said.

Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK.

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