British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to join French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Monday to commemorate the 106th anniversary of the Armistice that ended World War I. This significant gathering celebrates the historic alliance between the United Kingdom and France, as nations worldwide remember their fallen soldiers.

In a landmark moment, Starmer’s participation marks the first time a British leader has attended a French Armistice Day event since Winston Churchill joined Gen. Charles de Gaulle in a tribute in 1944, according to Starmer's office. The Paris ceremony, echoing the Franco-British commemorations of 80 years ago, recalls the liberation of France from Nazi occupation during World War II, a detail highlighted by Macron's office.

This year's ceremony also marks 120 years since the Entente Cordiale, a historic agreement that solidified diplomatic cooperation between France and the United Kingdom, a symbolic reminder of their enduring partnership.

On Monday morning, Starmer and Macron will meet at the Elysee Palace before heading to the Champs-Elysees, where they will lay wreaths at the statues of Georges Clemenceau, France’s prime minister at the time of the Armistice, and Winston Churchill. The two leaders will then proceed to the Arc de Triomphe to lead the traditional Armistice ceremony. In honour of fallen soldiers, they will relight the flame at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Both the French and British national anthems, “La Marseillaise” and “God Save the King,” will be performed by the French Army Choir.

Expressing the honour of his participation, Starmer stated, “I am honoured to be in Paris to stand united with President Macron in tribute to the fallen of the First World War who made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom we enjoy today.”

Additionally, Starmer announced that the British government has allocated more than £10 million in funding for the upcoming 80th anniversary commemorations of the Allied victory in Europe and the subsequent defeat of Japan, which brought World War II to an end.

This historic event underscores both nations' shared reverence for their past sacrifices and their continued commitment to honour the memories of those who served.