Panic as soldier collapses at the Cenotaph ahead of Remembrance Day service

A Royal Marine fainted during the Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, prompting military personnel to help him as onlookers watched with concern. The cause was not known, and the incident occurred as the King, members of the Royal Family and senior politicians attended the National Service of Remembrance.

Around 10,000 veterans were due to take part in the Royal British Legion’s march-past, representing more than 300 Armed Forces and civilian organisations. Fainting can occur during long periods of standing still, particularly in warm conditions; similar collapses have happened at the ceremony in previous years. Service personnel are taught to fall forwards with their arms held close to reduce the risk of injuring colleagues.