Royals Prince Charles and Camilla, as well as Prince William and Kate, were among the royal family members who attended the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey on Monday. The Queen, who had decided not to travel from her home in Windsor, was represented by the Prince of Wales.
It would have been Her Majesty’s first public appearance since reaching her Platinum Jubilee milestone in February, and it would have been the first time she had missed the event in almost a decade. The Queen last skipped the service in 2013, when she was recovering from a bad case of gastroenteritis.
The monarch’s decision not to attend has been interpreted as a precautionary measure and a practical move around travel arrangements, rather than a new health issue, as she has recently recovered from coronavirus.
The royal family’s outing on Monday was a big deal because Commonwealth Day hasn’t been observed in person since 2020.
Prince Charles, the Queen’s eldest son and heir, was asked to attend in her place. Camilla, Charles’s wife, was also present, and she looked stunning in purple.
The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester were supposed to attend, but due to the Duke’s positive coronavirus test, they had to cancel.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were photographed arriving at Westminster Abbey, with the Duchess dressed in royal blue.
Kate is seen arriving at Westminster Abbey.
Kate, 40, looked stunning in a tailored blue coat dress by Catherine Walker London, which she accessorized with her sapphire diamond jewellery set.
Her curls were perfectly coiffed and she wore her hair in a long, loose style.
The Duchess’ diamonds and natural makeup are examined up close.
Camilla looked stunning in a Fiona Clare purple wool and velvet coat dress and a Philip Treacy hat.
Once inside the Abbey, the Cambridges were reunited with Prince Charles and Camilla, who exchanged kisses before joining the procession and taking their seats.
Before the service, Charles and his daughter-in-law shared a tender moment.
Inside the Abbey, Charles, who was representing the Queen, and Camilla were photographed.
Throughout the Queen’s reign, the Commonwealth, a 54-country “family of nations,” has played an important role.
The Commonwealth’s continued commitment to delivering a peaceful, prosperous, and more sustainable future for all was the theme of this year’s service, ‘Delivering A Common Future.’ Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee Year was also commemorated.
The Queen’s Commonwealth Day message, as well as an address by former archbishop Lord Sentamu, a reflection by young Tongan leader Elizabeth Kite, and special musical performances by Emeli Sande and Mica Paris, were all highlights of the service.
During the service, Emeli performs.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson was in the welcoming line to greet the royals, which drew a crowd of 1,500 people.
The palace released the Queen’s Commonwealth Day message ahead of the service.
It said: “In this year of my Platinum Jubilee, it has given me great pleasure to renew the commitment I made in 1947 to devote my life to service.
“Today, it’s rewarding to see a modern, vibrant, and connected Commonwealth that blends a rich history and tradition with today’s great social, cultural, and technological advances. It is a credit to all who have contributed that the Commonwealth continues to rise.
“Relationships nourish and sustain us, and I’ve had the privilege of hearing what relationships built across the Commonwealth’s vast reach and diversity have meant to people and communities throughout my life.
“Our international family of nations remains a source of unity, cooperation, and friendship. It’s a gathering place where people can come together to work toward common goals and the common good, with everyone having the opportunity to serve and benefit. In these trying times, I hope you will find strength and inspiration in what we have in common as we work together to create a healthy, sustainable, and prosperous future for all.
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“And on this special day for our family – in a year that will see the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting and the Commonwealth Games – I hope we can strengthen our commitment to support and serve one another, and work to ensure that the Commonwealth remains an influential force for good in our world for many generations to come. ELIZABETH R. ELIZABETH R. ELIZABETH R.”
