King Charles III and Princess of Wales Attend Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey
The first in-person Commonwealth Day service in two years features royal attendance and performances celebrating unity and gratitude.
King Charles III and Catherine, Princess of Wales, attended the annual Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey, marking their first appearance at the event in two years.
Their absence at the previous year's service was due to King Charles's commitments and Princess Catherine undergoing chemotherapy, which she has since completed.
The service celebrated the Commonwealth's role as a 'powerful influence for good in the world' and brought together members of the royal family including Queen Camilla, the Prince of Wales, and the Princess Royal, alongside Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
In his address, King Charles III reflected on the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, emphasizing the 'sacrifice and selflessness' of Commonwealth forces who served during the conflict.
He highlighted that more than one and a half million men and women from across the Commonwealth supported the United Kingdom and its allies during the war.
The King stated that restoring the 'disrupted harmony of our entire planet' is the most important task facing humanity today.
Acknowledging the sacrifices made, he expressed pride and gratitude for those who lost their lives during the war.
This year's theme, 'Together We Thrive,' aimed to honor the enduring spirit of the Commonwealth family.
The Dean of Westminster, during the service, noted the importance of mutual respect and shared dignity among different peoples.
Performances included those from the Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa, a Hindu Scottish pipe band, as well as musicians, acrobats, and singers from the Masai Cultural Arts team.
Violinist Braimah Kanneh-Mason, accompanied by his sister Jeneba on piano, also performed during the ceremony.
Outside the abbey, protesters from the anti-monarchy group Republic demonstrated against the monarchy, holding placards reading 'not my King' and 'down with the Crown.' The event attracted attendees from various Commonwealth nations who came to celebrate the annual occasion.
Their absence at the previous year's service was due to King Charles's commitments and Princess Catherine undergoing chemotherapy, which she has since completed.
The service celebrated the Commonwealth's role as a 'powerful influence for good in the world' and brought together members of the royal family including Queen Camilla, the Prince of Wales, and the Princess Royal, alongside Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
In his address, King Charles III reflected on the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, emphasizing the 'sacrifice and selflessness' of Commonwealth forces who served during the conflict.
He highlighted that more than one and a half million men and women from across the Commonwealth supported the United Kingdom and its allies during the war.
The King stated that restoring the 'disrupted harmony of our entire planet' is the most important task facing humanity today.
Acknowledging the sacrifices made, he expressed pride and gratitude for those who lost their lives during the war.
This year's theme, 'Together We Thrive,' aimed to honor the enduring spirit of the Commonwealth family.
The Dean of Westminster, during the service, noted the importance of mutual respect and shared dignity among different peoples.
Performances included those from the Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa, a Hindu Scottish pipe band, as well as musicians, acrobats, and singers from the Masai Cultural Arts team.
Violinist Braimah Kanneh-Mason, accompanied by his sister Jeneba on piano, also performed during the ceremony.
Outside the abbey, protesters from the anti-monarchy group Republic demonstrated against the monarchy, holding placards reading 'not my King' and 'down with the Crown.' The event attracted attendees from various Commonwealth nations who came to celebrate the annual occasion.
