The King led the nation in celebrating the Commonwealth’s founding, describing the community of nations as a “force for good” in a message to the 56 member states.
Charles attended the annual Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey along with the Queen, the Prince and Princess of Wales, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, senior government officials and 1,800 congregants.
The Prince and Princess of Wales arrive at Westminster Abbey (Jonathan Brady/PA)
(Jonathan Brady)
Guests in attendance included Prince Albert of Monaco, the Princess Royal and her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Lawrence and opposition leader Kemi Badenock.
Ahead of the King and Queen’s arrival, members of the royal family gathered at the abbey’s west gate and were greeted by Dr David Hoyle, Dean of Westminster.
The BBC has been showing the show for decades, but this year they are showing Escape to Country instead.
Outgoing BBC director-general Tim Davie, singer-songwriter Joan Armatrading, who performed at last year’s ceremony, broadcaster Gyles Brandreth and popular children’s author Dame Jacqueline Wilson were also in the crowd.
Prince Albert of Monaco attended the ceremony (Jonathan Brady/PA)
(Jonathan Brady)
In a message to the international community to mark Commonwealth Day, Charles said: “Working together, we can ensure that the Commonwealth continues to be a force for good – grounded in communities, committed to restorative and sustainable development, delivering returns on investment, enriching culture, unwavering care for our planet, uniting and serving people.”
As head of state of the Commonwealth, Charles delivers an annual message to member states, which will hold the biennial Commonwealth Conference in the capital of Antigua and Barbuda in the first week of November this year.
A massive anti-monarchy protest took place opposite the monastery, with demonstrators carrying banners reading “Not my king” and “Abolish the monarchy”.
The king also said in his speech that when countries face tests such as “conflict, climate change and rapid transformation,” the “enduring spirit” of the international community will come to the fore.
Anti-monarchy protesters outside the monastery (Jonathan Brady/PA)
(Jonathan Brady)
Conflicts continue to rage around the world, from Ukraine to Sudan and the recent war waged by U.S. and Israeli forces in Iran, and with scientists saying 2025 is the third warmest year on record, concerns about the future of artificial intelligence continue to grow.
In his speech, Charles also said: “Our Commonwealth has untapped potential for prosperous trade between trusting partners.
“With nearly two-thirds of our population under the age of thirty, we are a family full of youth and possibility.”
Many countries, including Britain, have faced the threat of trade tariffs under U.S. President Donald Trump, who has used the measure as a revenue-raising move.
