As King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla attended their first Commonwealth Day service of their reign, the Prince and Princess of Wales were joined by the newly crowned Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh.
In a speech, the King paid tribute to his “beloved mother,” saying that the late Queen Elizabeth “dedicated her long and remarkable life” to the “Commonwealth family.” The King also said that Commonwealth Day was a proud moment for her.
On Friday, the King gave Prince Edward the Dukedom of Edinburgh in honor of his 59th birthday. Edward and Sophie then appeared in public for the first time under their new titles as they thanked the Scots for their generosity to Ukrainian refugees.
James, Viscount Severn, the son of the couple, is currently the Earl of Wessex.
When she and Edward arrived at the Westminster Abbey service, Duchess Sophie looked sophisticated in a white coat by Proenza Schouler.
Sophie accessorized with the earrings she wore on the day of her 1999 wedding to Edward and a Jane Taylor hat.
And did you notice Sophie’s charming greeting of her brother-in-law Charles inside the Abbey?
Catherine wore an Erdem peplum-style two-piece with a navy and white floral print, and she looked chic. She accessorized with Princess Diana’s diamond and sapphire earrings and a wide-brimmed hat.
The royal ladies had to hold onto their hats due to the windy conditions.
In addition, Catherine wore a Feathers brooch to symbolize her new status as the Princess of Wales, which was a gift from the King.
The Queen Consort, meanwhile, wore a Fiona Clare wool crepe dress and coat in sapphire blue. She accessorized with the late Queen’s sapphire and diamond brooch in addition to a beret designed by Philip Treacy.
Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence and the Princess Royal joined the other senior royals in the procession.
Following in the late Queen’s footsteps, Charles is now the head of the Commonwealth after she successfully lobbied for him to do so.
In contrast to previous messages from the Queen, who occasionally pre-recorded her speech, the King gave his speech in person from the large pulpit of the Abbey.
In order to recognize 2023 as the Commonwealth Year of Peace, a flag for peace was carried alongside the flags of the other Commonwealth members.
Saxophonist Yolanda Brown, West End performers Roshani Abbey and Nuwan Hugh Perera, and the all-female Amalgamation Choir from Cyprus all gave musical performances during the service.
Among the 2,000 attendees were dignitaries from the UK and the Commonwealth as well as the secretary-general of the Commonwealth, the prime minister of Samoa, high commissioners, and senior politicians.
Athletes from the home countries who participated in the Birmingham Commonwealth Games last summer, as well as religious leaders and more than 750 schoolchildren and young people from all over the UK, were also present.
Following the ceremony, Charles, Camilla, and the other royal family members in attendance will host a reception at Buckingham Palace for the secretary-general of the Commonwealth, high commissioners, foreign affairs ministers, and other Commonwealth citizens.
