World leaders, including Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, join for Armistice centenary in Arc de Triomphe ceremony
Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world
Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email
Thousands of people across the world gathered in capitals, beside monuments and in front of their leaders to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War.
Services of remembrance were held in Australia, New Zealand and Commonwealth nations, as tens of thousands of people paused to reflect on the innumerable lives given to a conflict a century ago.
Some 12,000 people, including veterans and serving soldiers, gathered for a national ceremony of remembrance at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.
Commemorations started in the UK at dawn with hundreds of bagpipers across the country playing a lament at 6am.
In Paris, at the biggest of the events marking the occasion, over 100 world leaders and dignitaries walked towards the Arc de Triomphe to stand before the grave of the unknown soldier.
French president Emmanuel Macron made a speech warning against the dangers of nationalism, in what was interpreted as a veiled criticism of US President Donald Trump, who was among the gathered dignitaries.
Angela Merkel, Vladimir Putin and Justin Trudeau were also present.
"Patriotism is the exact opposite of nationalism," Mr Macron said.
"Nationalism is a betrayal of patriotism. In saying 'Our interests first, whatever happens to the others,' you erase the most precious thing a nation can have, that which makes it live, that which causes it to be great and that which is most important: Its moral values."
In the UK Prince Charles laid a wreath at the cenotaph in London on behalf of his mother.
The Queen watched from a nearby balcony, flanked by the Duchess of Cambridge and the Duchess of Cornwall.
In an historic first Frank-Walter Steinmeier, the German president, also laid a wreath during the ceremony.
It is the first time that a German representative has done so.
Officials said that Mr Steinmeier's presence during the ceremony was a sign of the friendship that now exists between Germany and Britain.
Centenary of Armistice – in pictures
Show all 30
Following the National Service of Remembrance at the cenotaph, 10,000 people marched past the monument and through London, in tribute to those who served in the First World War.
At 7pm on Sunday 1,000 beacons across the UK will also be lit to mark the occasion.
Remembrance ceremonies were also held in Delhi, Kuala Lumpur and on a number of South Pacific Islands.
If you want to read how Remembrance Day unfolded live, please see what was our live coverage below:
Frank-Walter Steinmeier, the German president, laid a wreath at the cenotaph today in a symbol of the friendship that now exists between Britain and Germany, a representative of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport said.
It is the first time since the cenotaph was inaugurated in 1920 that a representative of Germany has taken part in the UK's national service of remembrance.
Dozens of world leaders and dignitaries have returned to the Elysee Palace where Emmanuel Macron will host a lunch, following a ceremony at the Arc de Triomphe to mark Remembrance Day.
The feminist activist group Femen has claimed responsibility for topless protesters who disrupted Donald Trump's motorcade on its way to a ceremony commemorating the end of the First World War.
One woman easily breached tight security along the Champs-Elysees.
She walked in the midst of the motorcade and shouted "fake peace maker" as the cars passed.
Police officers then seized her.
At least one other topless protester also made it into the avenue, but was unable to reach the cars.
Silhouettes of soldiers from the First World War have been projected on to famous UK landmarks.
Marble Arch, the Tate Modern and Edinburgh Castle are just some of the buildings that have been lit up with the outlines to mark the centenary of the end of the First World War.
Hundreds of marchers have begun leaving the Mall in London in a people's procession that will pass the cenotaph.
10,000 people from across the country will join together in the march, which is being described as the "nation's thank you" to all those who fought in the First World War.
Bells have tolled in unison across the UK and the world to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War.
The peals echo the same gesture from a century ago, when the sound signalled the end of the conflict to civilians.
Restrictions were placed on ringing church bells during the war but they were spontaneously rung on 11 November 1918 as news of peace spread through the country.
Pope Francis has said that the First World War should serve as a warning to reject a "culture of war."
But he added that the war's lessons have been ignored, saying "it seems we never learn" as he addressed people in St. Peter's Square, in Vatican City, on Sunday.
"Let's invest in peace, not war!" Pope Francis said.
Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin are among the guests at the Elysee Palace in France, where Emmanuel Macron is hosting 130 dignitaries for lunch following a ceremony to mark Armistice Day.
The two leaders are at the head table, sitting near Mr Macron.
Angela Merkel and Benjamin Netanyahu are also seated at the French president's table.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments