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The Independent
10-03-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Princess of Wales joins royal family members in celebrating Commonwealth Day
The Princess of Wales returned to the Family of Nations when she joined the King and Queen in celebrating Commonwealth Day. Kate missed the Westminster Abbey service last year, as did Charles, with both receiving treatment for cancer during a troubling health scare period for the monarchy. Twelve months later ,the Prince and Princess of Wales were photographed sharing a joke with the 2,000-strong congregation as they marked the Commonwealth's 'powerful influence for good in the world'. The Commonwealth Day service is an important date in the royal calendar and a rare occasion when senior royals are seen together – and William and Kate were photographed exchanging kisses with the Princess Royal and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester as they waited for the King to arrive. Outside was a large vocal protest by the anti-monarchy group Republic who held up 'Down with the Crown' banners and the chant 'not my King, not my King' could be heard when Charles and Camilla were greeted by the Abbey's chapter or governing body. Singer-songwriter Joan Armatrading performed one of her best known songs, Love And Affection, which had Anne swaying along to the music. Armatrading said after the service: 'I was born in St Kitts so of course the Commonwealth means something to me and I think people need to appreciate the Commonwealth. 'The Commonwealth is about togetherness. You've got Europe, that's people being together, you've got America, that's people being together, and if you think about both of those places it is different little states coming together and that's what the Commonwealth is about, and it's bringing protection – economically, militarily and environmentally.' In his Commonwealth Day message, the King said restoring the 'disrupted harmony of our entire planet' was the most 'important' task facing humanity. Ahead of commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, the King also remembered the 'sacrifice and selflessness' of Commonwealth forces who answered the call to fight with Britain and her allies. And he celebrated the unity the Commonwealth derives from its diversity: 'In these uncertain times, where it is all too easy to believe that our differences are problems instead of a source of strength and an opportunity for learning, the Commonwealth's remarkable collection of nations and peoples come together in the spirit of support and, crucially, friendship.' Performers from across the Commonwealth took part in the service, which featured hymns and prayers in support of the institution and its leaders, and Britain's Got Talent 2015 semi-finalists, violinist Braimah Kanneh-Mason and his sister Jeneba accompanying on piano, played during the service. Guests included hundreds of schoolchildren, diplomatic representatives from the Commonwealth's 56-member states, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, his deputy Angela Rayner, Foreign Secretary David Lammy and former Spice Girl Geri Horner. 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.' Graham Smith, chief executive officer of Republic who led the protests outside the Abbey, said: 'The royals need to stop using the Commonwealth as a vehicle for their own PR. Many Commonwealth countries, notably in the Caribbean, are talking about ditching the royals. 'These countries are also demanding reparations – a reasonable demand considering that Charles refuses to apologise for the royals' role in slavery, despite them profiting from the practice for hundreds of years.'
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Princess of Wales joins royal family members in celebrating Commonwealth Day
The Princess of Wales returned to the Family of Nations when she joined the King and Queen in celebrating Commonwealth Day. Kate missed the Westminster Abbey service last year, as did Charles, with both receiving treatment for cancer during a troubling health scare period for the monarchy. Twelve months later ,the Prince and Princess of Wales were photographed sharing a joke with the 2,000-strong congregation as they marked the Commonwealth's 'powerful influence for good in the world'. The Commonwealth Day service is an important date in the royal calendar and a rare occasion when senior royals are seen together – and William and Kate were photographed exchanging kisses with the Princess Royal and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester as they waited for the King to arrive. Outside was a large vocal protest by the anti-monarchy group Republic who held up 'Down with the Crown' banners and the chant 'not my King, not my King' could be heard when Charles and Camilla were greeted by the Abbey's chapter or governing body. Singer-songwriter Joan Armatrading performed one of her best known songs, Love And Affection, which had Anne swaying along to the music. Armatrading said after the service: 'I was born in St Kitts so of course the Commonwealth means something to me and I think people need to appreciate the Commonwealth. 'The Commonwealth is about togetherness. You've got Europe, that's people being together, you've got America, that's people being together, and if you think about both of those places it is different little states coming together and that's what the Commonwealth is about, and it's bringing protection – economically, militarily and environmentally.' In his Commonwealth Day message, the King said restoring the 'disrupted harmony of our entire planet' was the most 'important' task facing humanity. Ahead of commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, the King also remembered the 'sacrifice and selflessness' of Commonwealth forces who answered the call to fight with Britain and her allies. And he celebrated the unity the Commonwealth derives from its diversity: 'In these uncertain times, where it is all too easy to believe that our differences are problems instead of a source of strength and an opportunity for learning, the Commonwealth's remarkable collection of nations and peoples come together in the spirit of support and, crucially, friendship.' Performers from across the Commonwealth took part in the service, which featured hymns and prayers in support of the institution and its leaders, and Britain's Got Talent 2015 semi-finalists, violinist Braimah Kanneh-Mason and his sister Jeneba accompanying on piano, played during the service. Guests included hundreds of schoolchildren, diplomatic representatives from the Commonwealth's 56-member states, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, his deputy Angela Rayner, Foreign Secretary David Lammy and former Spice Girl Geri Horner. 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.' Graham Smith, chief executive officer of Republic who led the protests outside the Abbey, said: 'The royals need to stop using the Commonwealth as a vehicle for their own PR. Many Commonwealth countries, notably in the Caribbean, are talking about ditching the royals. 'These countries are also demanding reparations – a reasonable demand considering that Charles refuses to apologise for the royals' role in slavery, despite them profiting from the practice for hundreds of years.'
The Independent
10-03-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
King Charles shares surprising love of Kylie Minogue song in Commonwealth Day message
King Charles has revealed his love for Kylie Minogue 's "The Loco-Motion," describing it as having an "infectious energy" that makes it "incredibly hard to sit still." In a video posted on the Royal Family's Instagram ahead of the Commonwealth Day service on Monday (March 10), the King shared his favorite songs by Commonwealth artists as part of 'The King's Music Room' show, created in collaboration with Apple. Reflecting on Minogue's 2012 performance at St. James's Palace, Charles said, 'Kylie Minogue came to St. James's Palace to perform this song in 2012.' 'This is music for dancing," he said. Senior royals and prominent figures will gather at Westminster Abbey on Monday to celebrate the Family of Nations.
The Independent
10-03-2025
- General
- The Independent
Royal family to join Westminster Abbey service marking Commonwealth Day
The King will lead the nation in celebrating the Family of Nations during the annual Commonwealth Day service. Charles will be joined by the Queen, Prince and Princess of Wales and a 2,000-strong congregation for the event at Westminster Abbey. In his Commonwealth Day message, the King said restoring the 'disrupted harmony of our entire planet' is the most 'important' task facing humanity. Ahead of commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, the King also remembered the 'sacrifice and selflessness' of Commonwealth forces who answered the call to fight with Britain and her allies. The King, who is head of the Commonwealth, gives an annual address each year to the family of 56 nations, but last year pre-recorded a video message after postponing his public-facing duties for around three months after being diagnosed with cancer. The Princess of Wales also missed the service last year, a key event in the royal calendar, after also being diagnosed with cancer but will be among the congregation alongside the King, Queen and Prince of Wales. Kate is still making a gradual return to public duties after confirming she is in remission. In his message, delivered as head of the Commonwealth, Charles said: 'Leaders recently reiterated the importance of collaboration for peace and human rights, as well as for the restoration of nature both on land and in the oceans. 'As we mark Commonwealth Day together, there is no more important task than to restore the disrupted harmony of our entire planet. 'For the sake of our younger generations' threatened future, I can only hope that the Commonwealth will continue its vital work to restore that harmony.' Plans have been announced for celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) and Victory over Japan (VJ) Days, in what might be 'our last chance to thank surviving veterans', said TV presenter and actor Ross Kemp who helped launch the countdown to events. Charles said in his message: 'This year, the world reflects on the eightieth anniversary of the end of World War Two. '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.' This year's Commonwealth Day theme is Together We Thrive, which celebrates the 'enduring spirit of the Commonwealth family'. William, Kate, Charles and Camilla will be joined by the Princess Royal and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester for the service, said Buckingham Palace. During the service, singer-songwriter Joan Armatrading will perform an arrangement of her well-known hit Love And Affection for the congregation. On the same day, the King will launch the inaugural King's Baton Relay at Buckingham Palace, officially starting the countdown to the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Charles and Camilla will also be guests of the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Baroness Scotland, at the annual Commonwealth Day reception on Monday evening and hear a commemorative song by Andrew Lloyd Webber to mark the inaugural Commonwealth Peace Prize. Commonwealth Day on Monday is also being marked by the release of a playlist Charles has compiled following a collaboration with Apple Music for his King's Music Room show. Bob Marley, Kylie Minogue, Grace Jones and contemporary artists Davido and Raye are among those who make it into Charles's top tracks from across the Commonwealth.
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Royal family to join Westminster Abbey service marking Commonwealth Day
The King will lead the nation in celebrating the Family of Nations during the annual Commonwealth Day service. Charles will be joined by the Queen, Prince and Princess of Wales and a 2,000-strong congregation for the event at Westminster Abbey. In his Commonwealth Day message, the King said restoring the 'disrupted harmony of our entire planet' is the most 'important' task facing humanity. Ahead of commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, the King also remembered the 'sacrifice and selflessness' of Commonwealth forces who answered the call to fight with Britain and her allies. The King, who is head of the Commonwealth, gives an annual address each year to the family of 56 nations, but last year pre-recorded a video message after postponing his public-facing duties for around three months after being diagnosed with cancer. The Princess of Wales also missed the service last year, a key event in the royal calendar, after also being diagnosed with cancer but will be among the congregation alongside the King, Queen and Prince of Wales. Kate is still making a gradual return to public duties after confirming she is in remission. In his message, delivered as head of the Commonwealth, Charles said: 'Leaders recently reiterated the importance of collaboration for peace and human rights, as well as for the restoration of nature both on land and in the oceans. 'As we mark Commonwealth Day together, there is no more important task than to restore the disrupted harmony of our entire planet. 'For the sake of our younger generations' threatened future, I can only hope that the Commonwealth will continue its vital work to restore that harmony.' Plans have been announced for celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) and Victory over Japan (VJ) Days, in what might be 'our last chance to thank surviving veterans', said TV presenter and actor Ross Kemp who helped launch the countdown to events. Charles said in his message: 'This year, the world reflects on the eightieth anniversary of the end of World War Two. '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.' This year's Commonwealth Day theme is Together We Thrive, which celebrates the 'enduring spirit of the Commonwealth family'. William, Kate, Charles and Camilla will be joined by the Princess Royal and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester for the service, said Buckingham Palace. During the service, singer-songwriter Joan Armatrading will perform an arrangement of her well-known hit Love And Affection for the congregation. On the same day, the King will launch the inaugural King's Baton Relay at Buckingham Palace, officially starting the countdown to the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Charles and Camilla will also be guests of the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Baroness Scotland, at the annual Commonwealth Day reception on Monday evening and hear a commemorative song by Andrew Lloyd Webber to mark the inaugural Commonwealth Peace Prize. Commonwealth Day on Monday is also being marked by the release of a playlist Charles has compiled following a collaboration with Apple Music for his King's Music Room show. Bob Marley, Kylie Minogue, Grace Jones and contemporary artists Davido and Raye are among those who make it into Charles's top tracks from across the Commonwealth.
