LONDON — King Charles III led the nation in a two-minute silence on Remembrance Sunday in central London to honor fallen service personnel, with the Princess of Wales looking on.

This event marks a further return to public engagements for the royal family following a challenging year that saw two of its most prominent members sidelined by cancer.

The service, held at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, is one of the most significant events in the U.K. calendar, commemorating the end of World War I and the nation's war dead.

King Charles, wearing his Royal Navy uniform as Admiral of the Fleet, laid a wreath of poppies at the Cenotaph in tribute to the fallen, while his eldest son, William, the Prince of Wales, placed his own floral tribute, complete with a new ribbon in Welsh red.

The princess, Kate, attended the ceremony from a balcony of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, observing the traditional role of supporting the service from a distance.

Queen Camilla, who would normally stand alongside her, was absent as she recovered from a chest infection.

This marks the first time since earlier this year that Kate has participated in two consecutive public engagements, following her attendance at the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance on Saturday.

King Charles, recovering from a cancer diagnosis in February, has recently returned to full public duties, completing an overseas trip to Australia and Samoa.

Kate, who was also diagnosed with cancer and underwent chemotherapy, is gradually resuming her royal responsibilities.

As part of the service, around 10,000 veterans, including those who served in recent conflicts such as Afghanistan and Iraq, marched past the Cenotaph, while a few World War II veterans were present.

The royal family’s enduring connection to the military was evident throughout the day, as they continue to support service personnel through various charitable efforts.

Prince William reflected on the emotional toll that the past year’s health challenges have taken on the royal family. “It’s been brutal,” he said, expressing pride in his wife and father for their strength during such trying times. — Agencies