The royal family reunite for moving Remembrance Sunday service

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The royal family joined together for the annual Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph on 8 November. 

It marked the first time we've seen the Queen and the royal family together since the Commonwealth Day service in March 2020.

The monarch, 94, led the nation in remembering those who have died in world wars and other conflicts, as she watched the service from the balcony of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office building.

READ: The Queen wears face mask in public for the first time at Westminster Abbey

WATCH: Royal family reunite for Remembrance Sunday service in London

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Her Majesty was joined at the service by the Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, as well as the Earl and Countess of Wessex, the Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, and the Duke of Kent.

MORE: Why the Queen stood apart from Kate Middleton and Duchess Camilla on Remembrance Sunday

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The Queen watched the service from a separate balcony from her family members, alongside her lady in waiting, Mrs Susan Rhodes.

Her Majesty wore five poppies pinned to her black coat, which are said to represent each service in the war: the Army, the Navy, the RAF, the Civil Defence and women.

In photos released by Buckingham Palace on Saturday, the monarch was pictured wearing a face mask for the first time in public, as she made a deeply personal visit to the tomb of the unknown warrior at Westminster Abbey.

MORE: Prince Harry reveals touching reason why he wears a poppy

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The royals stood two metres apart during the socially distanced service in line with government guidelines.

The service took place behind closed doors for the first time in history this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, and the public had been asked in advance not to gather at the Cenotaph.

MORE: Why the Queen and Kate Middleton wear multiple poppies on Remembrance Sunday

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Around 10,000 people usually gather at the Cenotaph annually for the National Service of Remembrance to witness the two-minute silence at 11am, but this year members of the public were encouraged to stand on their own door steps at home instead.

The two-minute silence was followed by wreath-laying at the foot of the Cenotaph, with the Prince of Wales laying a wreath on behalf of the Queen. An equerry placed one on behalf of the Duke of Edinburgh, who retired from public duties in 2017. Her Majesty and her husband, 99, are residing at Windsor Castle during England's second lockdown.

MORE: Royal family sing God Save The Queen on Remembrance Sunday

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Prince William was among the senior royals to lay a wreath at the Cenotaph. 

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The Princess Royal and the Earl of Wessex also placed wreaths at the foot of the Cenotaph during the service. 

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Sir Timothy Laurence and the Countess of Wessex stood on the same balcony, two metres apart. 

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The royals were dressed in either black ensembles or military uniform as a mark of respect. The Duchess of Cambridge sported a black military-style coat with fringe detail on the shoulders.

The royal paired her coat with a matching black hat, gloves and three poppies - which could be in honour of family members who have fought and died in wars. 

MORE: Duchess Kate looks sombre in black military coat at Remembrance Sunday service

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Camilla wore a black coat with an elegant lace trim, layered over the top of what appeared to be a lace dress.

Pinned to her left lapel was her new Rifles brooch and a poppy as a mark of respect to honour fallen soldiers from the First World War and other conflicts.

MORE: Duchess Camilla pays her respects in black lace on Remembrance Sunday