
King Charles and Catherine return to Commonwealth Day service
King Charles III and Catherine, Princess of Wales have attended the annual Commonwealth Day service, a year after both were forced to cancel because they were receiving cancer treatment.The event at Westminster Abbey on Monday celebrated the Commonwealth's "powerful influence for good in the world".Queen Camilla, the Prince of Wales and the Princess Royal also attended, along with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.The King's appearance at the service was his first in two years, while Catherine was absent last year as she was undergoing chemotherapy, which she has since completed.
Ahead of commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two, the King paid tribute to the "sacrifice and selflessness" of Commonwealth forces.He also said restoring the "disrupted harmony of our entire planet" is the most "important" task facing humanity.In an address included in a booklet given to the congregation, the King wrote: "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.
"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."The theme of this year's Commonwealth Day is Together We Thrive, which celebrates the "enduring spirit of the Commonwealth family".During his bidding, the Dean of Westminster said: "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."Among the performers at the service were Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa, a Hindu Scottish pipe band, and musicians, acrobats and singers from the Masai Cultural Arts team.Violinist Braimah Kanneh-Mason and his sister Jeneba on piano also played during the service.Protesters from the anti-monarchy group Republic held up placards reading "not my King" and "down with the Crown" as they gathered outside the abbey ahead of the service.
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BBC News
10 hours ago
- BBC News
Catherine goes behind the scenes at museum stores
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Daily Mirror
10 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
King Charles heart-breaking last words to Prince Philip hours before his death
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Edinburgh Reporter
a day ago
- Edinburgh Reporter
Michael Palin and Gordon Buchanan draw crowds to the Borders Book Festival
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The Family Festival, sponsored by Blackport Investments, also has children's favourites galore over Saturday and Sunday, with activities for the whole family to enjoy together. Amongst the packed programme, particular gems include: stars of BBC hit comedy Gavin & Stacey, Alison Steadman and Larry Lamb, both with new books; acclaimed documentary maker Stacey Dooley with her moving take on motherhood; Hairy Biker Si King, as he roars back to Melrose for another helping; queens of the BBC Kirsty Wark and Sally Magnusson in a not-to-be-missed look back over their decades at the helms of flagship news programmes Newsnight and Reporting Scotland; politicians now free of the shackles of government, Jeremy Hunt and Michael Gove; Scottish First Minister John Swinney on the books that have shaped his life; World War Two historian and commentator James Holland; current affairs insiders James Naughtie, Andrew Marr and Gavin Esler looking at what might really be happening in our world in 2025; and Tanni Grey-Thompson and Sammi Kinghorn share with Louise Minchin the challenges, triumphs and determination that shaped their sporting journeys. 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'And hey, the sun will shine brightly and constantly – but we do have our brand new transparent canopy for The Orchard – our tented food village — just in case! 'The Borders Book Festival on a long, sunny June day is just magical – our own slice of heaven for the whole family to enjoy.' The Family Festival takes place throughout the day on the Saturday and Sunday (14th & 15th June) and includes, among so many others: the inimitable Elle McNicoll; former Waterstones Children's Laureate Joseph Coelho; Catherine Rayner celebrating 20 years of Augustus & His Smile; colouring fun with Eilidh Muldoon; and festival favourites Vivian French, Alan Windram and Tom Morgan-Jones. The Orchard tented food village, adjacent to Harmony Garden, hosts live music and free, fun activities for the whole family, making the Borders Book Festival a fantastic day out for the entire family The Borders Book Festival is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and environmental impact by implementing a number of net zero goals including: zero waste to landfill; e-ticketing and a donation to planting trees for every ticket purchased. Alan Bett, Head of Literature and Publishing at Creative Scotland said; 'Borders Book Festival once again transforms Melrose into a haven for book lovers, welcoming a stellar lineup of writers to inspire, entertain, and spark imaginations. 'With a special focus on young readers, the festival champions the joy of reading through dynamic events featuring top-tier authors and illustrators like Elle McNicoll and former Waterstones Children's Laureate Joseph Coelho. 'Whether you're eager to meet your literary heroes or discover fresh voices to add to your reading list, this is the perfect chance for book enthusiasts across the Scottish Borders to immerse themselves in storytelling at its finest.' Tickets available at or by calling 0131 290 2112 and from the Book Festival Box Office on the day subject to availability. Like this: Like Related