The Archbishop of Canterbury has led prayers as the nation observed a two-minute silence to remember those who have died in conflict on Remembrance Sunday.

The Archbishop joined members of the Royal Family, political leaders, veterans and representatives of the Armed Forces at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, London, for the annual National Service of Remembrance.

The silence began at 11 am, marked by the firing of guns from the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery on Horse Guards Parade. It was followed by the Last Post and the laying of wreaths at the memorial.

King Charles led the commemorations, joined by senior members of the Royal Family, Prime Minister Andy Burnham and other political leaders.

Around 10,000 veterans took part in the Royal British Legion's annual march past the Cenotaph, representing more than 300 Armed Forces and civilian organisations.

The commemorations honour those who died in the two World Wars and subsequent conflicts, as well as members of the Armed Forces who continue to serve.

Remembrance Sunday is observed on the second Sunday in November, closest to Armistice Day on 11 November, marking the end of fighting in the First World War in 1918.

Church leaders have also used the occasion to reflect on the continuing impact of war and the need for peace.

In a statement marking Remembrance Sunday, the Archbishop of Wales, Most Rev Cherry Vann, said the past year had seen an increased level of violence around the world.

She highlighted ongoing conflicts across Africa, Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which she said had lasted longer than the First World War, and the conflicts in the Middle East, including the war in Iran.

"For these reasons and more, Remembrance Sunday this year seems even more poignant," she said.

"Prayers for peace, and our thanksgiving for all those who died in the pursuit of peace, come from a deeper place this year."

Referencing the Psalms, Archbishop Cherry said: "We may echo the Psalmist who cries, 'How long, O Lord?'"

But she added that Christians could also draw hope from the promise that "sorrows may last for a night, but joy comes in the morning".

"So, we watch and long and hope for the morning," she said.

Reflecting on the symbolism of the Last Post, she said people should also listen for the reveille, which serves as a reminder "that war does not go on forever, that conflicts can cease".

She added: "Peace is not an undiscovered country but one we have been to and where we are working to be again."

Archbishop Cherry said remembrance should extend beyond those who died to include people whose lives have been affected by conflict and those still living with trauma.

"We remember all those who fight and who died for peace, all those whose lives have been affected and those who continue to live with trauma," she said.

She added that people should renew their commitment "to strive for the peace and the wellbeing of all peoples".