James May has taken to social media to seemingly complain about the lack of respect shown to veterans during this year’s Armistice Day silence.
Armistice Day, marking the end of World War I, is observed each year on November 11 at 11am, the exact time fighting stopped in 1918.
Traditionally, it’s a moment for a two-minute silence to remember those who have died in conflicts since 1914.
Also known as Remembrance Day, it has evolved into a time to honour all who have lost their lives in war.
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James May complained about the lack of respect shown to veterans during this year’s Armistice Day silence
| PAWhile many across the United Kingdom and beyond paused to pay their respects, the former Top Gear star suggested the tradition isn’t being observed as respectfully as before.
Mr May posted on X: “I’m sure the world used to turn properly quiet for the 11/11 two minutes. Is that true?”
His comment quickly drew hundreds of replies, with many agreeing that public observance of the silence has declined.
“Everything used to STOP! Like time had stopped!” one user recalled. “When I was in insurance, working in offices in town, maybe in the high street, IT ALL STOPPED! Traffic, folk, dogs, not cats. An amazing thing to see... once upon a time, long ago…”
James May worked alongside Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond on Top Gear and The Grand Tour | GETTYAnother added: “I work in a firm of 69 people. I’m the only one who observes it. It’s a bit disappointing really, but I put my headphones on and shut them out. It’s a shame, quite a few are my sort of age, but it sadly coincides with the beginning of tea break.”
One commuter complained: “I was on a train during the silence this morning and the announcer spoke all the way through it!”
Others, however, shared positive stories of nationwide observance. “Heathrow Airport has just come to a standstill and observed the silence perfectly,” one user wrote, while another explained: “My workplace had a beautiful service with a bugle. All silent at 11am.”
“It’s up to us all to teach the people around us who don’t understand the importance of paying our respect,” another user added. “If we don’t teach, they don’t learn. Teaching is more powerful than complaining.”
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I’m sure the world used to turn properly quiet for the 11/11 two minutes. Is that true?
— James May (@MrJamesMay) November 11, 2025
Another shared how their "local Heron supermarket held two minutes’ silence today", adding: "All shoppers and staff stood and honoured those that have given their lives".
While Mr May, 62, may not be best pleased with the conduct of some observing the silence, much of the nation came together today to commemorate the solemn day, with members of the Royal Family leading tributes across the UK.
The Princess of Wales marked the occasion at the National Memorial Arboretum, joining veterans, serving personnel, and families in observing the two-minute silence before laying a wreath.
Queen Camilla was also seen at London Paddington Station, leading a railway tribute, while the Cenotaph in Whitehall and landmarks across Britain fell silent to remember the fallen.
GB News covered the event live, with Charlie Peters reporting from the scene and Olivia Utley and Miriam Cates observing the two-minute silence in the studio.
The latest update from Mr May comes just a few days after he suffered a personal loss of his own following the death of former Top Gear star, Quentin Willson.
Veterans lining the streets for a London Armistice service
| GB NEWSMr Willson died at the age of 68 following a short battle with lung cancer.
"Quentin Wilson gave me proper advice and encouragement during my earliest attempts at TV, back in the late 90s. I’ve never forgotten it. Great bloke," Mr May penned over the weekend.