City of Westminster (Parliament Politics Magazine) – King Charles attends Commonwealth Day at Westminster Abbey with royal family members & PM Sir Keir Starmer, marking annual celebration of Commonwealth unity.
Following his cancer diagnosis last year, which required him to temporarily put off public appearances, Charles made his first appearance at the ceremony in two years.
Kate also missed the service last year after starting chemotherapy, which has since been finished and she is currently in remission.
First met by Dr. David Hoyle, Dean of Westminster, the royal company greeted each other heartily at the abbey’s great west door, where they waited for the King and Queen.
The anti-monarchy organization Republic staged a loud demonstration outside, holding up signs that said “Not my King” and “Down with the Crown” from a location across from the abbey.
Restoring the “disrupted harmony of our entire planet” is the most “important” task confronting humanity, according to the King’s Commonwealth Day speech.
The King also recalled the “sacrifice and selflessness” of Commonwealth forces who heeded the call to fight with Britain and her allies, ahead of celebrations commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.
Charles said in his written address included in a Commonwealth booklet given to the congregation:
“More than one and a half million men and women who served during the war came from across the Commonwealth to support the United Kingdom and its allies.
Credit: Aaron Chown/PA
On this special anniversary, we remember with particular pride and everlasting gratitude the untold sacrifice and selflessness of so many from around our family of nations who gave their lives in that dreadful conflict.”
Together We Thrive, this year’s Commonwealth Day theme, honors the “enduring spirit of the Commonwealth family.”
Leading the royals to their seats were the King and Queen, William and Kate, Anne, and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.
Camilla donned a pink wool crepe and satin coat dress by Fiona Clare and a matching beret hat by Philip Treacy, while Kate wore a crimson dress by Catherine Walker and a hat by Gina Foster.
The Dean of Westminster said in his bidding:
“We gather, in this house of prayer, to rejoice in our common life. We are God’s people in a Commonwealth of Nations.
As different peoples we rejoice in this opportunity to reflect, in mutual respect, on our shared dignity and commitment to the service of others.
We celebrate the love and affection that binds us in unity and gives us resilience and strength.”
While musicians, acrobats, and singers from the Maasai Cultural Arts team performed inside the abbey, the gathering congregation was treated to the throbbing drumming of Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa, a Hindu Scottish pipe band located in north-west London that wears tartan clothing and kilts.
Braimah Kanneh-Mason, a violinist, and his sister Jeneba, who played piano accompaniment, performed during the service as semi-finalists of Britain’s Got Talent 2015.
They come from a well-known musical family, which also includes their sibling, Sheku Kanneh-Mason, a classical music icon, who orchestrated their rendition of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s Deep River.
Baroness Scotland, secretary-general of the Commonwealth, said the Act of Affirmation which included the words:
“United in kinship and common purpose, we cherish the rich tapestry of thought, culture, tradition, and experience which strengthens our bonds.”
At the end, the congregation responded:
“We affirm our belief in the Commonwealth as a powerful influence for good in the world, and pledge ourselves to its service, now and for the future.”
As the service came to an end, singer-songwriter Joan Armatrading played one of her most popular songs, Love and Affection, with a full band.
What was the main message King Charles conveyed at the Commonwealth Day service?
King Charles III delivered a stirring speech at the Commonwealth Day service, highlighting the value of embracing diversity and maintaining solidarity among the 56 Commonwealth countries.
The King encouraged Commonwealth countries to see their diversity as assets and teaching opportunities rather than as obstacles. In “these uncertain times,” he emphasized, it is crucial to unite in a spirit of camaraderie and solidarity.
In his reflection on the Commonwealth’s ongoing significance, he said that its capacity to bring people from many backgrounds together has endured and is still vitally relevant today.
The King emphasized the need of cooperation in tackling global issues and promoting peace by calling for unity among member states.
“Together We Thrive,” this year’s Commonwealth Day theme, perfectly captures the spirit of cooperation and solidarity that the King promoted in his speech.
Federica Calabrò is a journalist at Parliament News, She is covering Business and General World News. She is a native of Naples, commenced her career as a teller at Poste Italiane before following her passion for dance. Graduating in classical dance, she showcased her talents with two entertainment companies, enchanting audiences throughout Italy. Presently, Federica serves as the general secretary at the Allianz Bank Financial Advisors financial promotion center in Naples. In this capacity, she manages office forms, provides document assistance for Financial Advisors, oversees paperwork for the back office, and ensures smooth customer reception and assistance at the front office. Outside her professional obligations, Federica indulges in her passion for writing in her leisure time.
