Latest news with #LoveAndAffection
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.'
Telegraph
10-03-2025
- General
- Telegraph
King and Princess of Wales return to Westminster Abbey for Commonwealth Day service
The King and the Princess of Wales have returned to Westminster Abbey for the Commonwealth Day service, a year after both missed it following their cancer diagnoses. The King will lead the nation at the annual service on Monday, joined by the Queen, the Prince and Princess of Wales and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester. The senior members of the Royal family will walk in procession up the aisle of the abbey, where 2,000 guests from all over the Commonwealth will gather to hear music and poetry. In his Commonwealth Day message, printed in the programme, the King paid tribute to the 'untold sacrifice and selflessness' of Commonwealth forces who answered the call to fight with Britain and its allies in the Second World War. He wrote of those 'from around our family of nations who gave their lives in that dreadful conflict', sharing the 'particular pride and everlasting gratitude' he felt for their contribution. He also emphasised the need to restore the 'disrupted harmony of our entire planet' as the most important task facing humanity. The King, who is head of the Commonwealth, gives an annual address to the family of 56 nations. Last year, he pre-recorded a video message after postponing public duties for around three months after his cancer diagnosis. The Princess of Wales, who missed the service last year after also being diagnosed with cancer, will be among the congregation as she continues a gradual return to public duties following her confirmation that she is in remission. The King's message calls on the people of the Commonwealth to come together, saying: '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. 'The Commonwealth's ability to bring together people from all over the world has stood the test of time, and remains as ever-important today.' This year's Commonwealth Day theme is Together We Thrive, which celebrates the 'enduring spirit of the Commonwealth family'. During the service, Joan Armatrading, the singer-songwriter, will perform an arrangement of her hit Love And Affection. Also on Monday, the King will launch the inaugural King's Baton Relay at Buckingham Palace, officially starting the countdown to the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games. The King and Queen will be guests of Baroness Scotland, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, at the Commonwealth Day reception on Monday evening, and will hear a commemorative song by Andrew Lloyd Webber to mark the inaugural Commonwealth Peace Prize. Commonwealth Day is also being marked by the release of a playlist the King has compiled following a collaboration with Apple Music for a programme called The King's Music Room.
The Independent
05-03-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Kate and King to make return to annual Commonwealth Day service next week
The Prince and Princess of Wales are to join the King and Queen for the annual Commonwealth Day service next week. Both Kate and Charles missed the key event in the royal calendar last year after being diagnosed with cancer. The princess is still making a gradual return to public duties after confirming she is in remission. William, Kate, Charles and Camilla will also gather with the Princess Royal and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester for the service on Monday in Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace announced. This year's Commonwealth Day theme is Together We Thrive, which celebrates the 'enduring spirit of the Commonwealth family'. Charles, 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. Kate was diagnosed with cancer after having abdominal surgery at the start of last year and revealed at the end of March that she was undergoing chemotherapy. She has carried out a number of engagements this year, revealing in January she is in remission, as she continues her return to public life, including visiting Pontypridd ahead of St David's Day last week. During the service, singer-songwriter Joan Armatrading will perform an arrangement of her well-known hit Love And Affection for the 2,000-strong 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. It marks the 18th official Commonwealth Games relay, and Charles's first as King. He will place a message inside the baton, which will be sealed and kept closed until the opening ceremony next summer, when the King's words will be read out to signal the start of the sporting competition. Charles will hand the baton to the first baton bearer, six-time Olympic champion cyclist Sir Chris Hoy. Sir Chris, who has terminal prostate cancer, will walk through the Palace's Quadrangle to the Centre Arch with a pathway lined by pipers from the Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa Pipe Band London. In 2021, the late Queen launched the Commonwealth Games 2022 baton relay at the Palace in what was her first major event since the start of the Covid pandemic. The 2026 Commonwealth Games are due to take place in Glasgow from July 23 to August 2 next year. Charles and Camilla will also be guests of the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Baroness Scotland, at the annual Commonwealth Day reception on Monday and hear a commemorative song by Andrew Lloyd Webber to mark the inaugural Commonwealth Peace Prize.
