Poignant ceremonies have been held across the UK for the victims of war.<br /><br />Queen Elizabeth, accompanied by other members of the Royal Family, led the annual Remembrance Day commemorations at the Cenotaph in central London, as large crowds lined the streets.<br /><br />This year marks the 100th anniversary of the start of World War I and 70 years since the D-Day landings.<br /><br />Representatives from Commonwealth countries also laid wreaths, as for the first time did the Irish ambassador.<br /><br />The UK government paid tribute to the thousands of Irish personnel who had served in the British armed forces.<br /><br />Veterans from the Second World War joined thousands of current service men and women who took part in the march.<br /><br />Despite the prominence given to previous wars, the thoughts of many were with the victims of more recent conflicts.<br /><br />Security was especially tight. Last week four men were arrested, police said as part of an ongoing inquiry into Islamist-related terrorism.<br /><br />In Afghanistan where Britain is ending its combat role, Prince Harry led the commemorations in Kandahar.<br /><br />More than 450 British soldiers have been killed and many others wounded in the 13-year struggle against the Taliban.<br /><br />A senior commander said the threat to the UK from violent extremist groups had been reduced, and Afghanistan had a chance to be more stable and prosperous.
