Queen and William attend Commonwealth Day service as King makes pre-recorded speech

The Prince of Wales and Queen Camilla were all smiles at the Commonwealth Day service as William made his first public appearance since his wife admitted to “editing” their Mother’s Day picture.

It comes as the King pledged to continue to serve the Commonwealth “to the best of my ability” in his annual address to the family of nations.

William, who was spotted with Kate in his car while in London, arrived at Westminster Abbey alone before the Queen, and was greeted by the Dean of Westminster David Hoyle, shaking his hands with the senior cleric.

The prince was introduced to the Abbey’s Chapter, or governing body, shaking their hands as he made his way along the line of clergy.

Charles has postponed all public-facing duties after his cancer diagnosis was announced on February 5, but is continuing with behind-the-scenes work on his red boxes of state papers and holding some in-person meetings.

His address highlighted how “diversity” was the Commonwealth’s core “strength”, and the union of 56 member countries was a “precious source of strength, inspiration, and pride” to him.

“In recent weeks, I have been most deeply touched by your wonderfully kind and thoughtful good wishes for my health and, in return, can only continue to serve you, to the best of my ability, throughout the Commonwealth,” the King said in his video message, which featured in the service.

“My belief in our shared endeavours and in the potential of our people remains as sure and strong as it has ever been," he added.

“I have no doubt that we will continue to support one another across the Commonwealth as, together, we continue this vital journey.”

Camilla and William were accompanied by the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, the Princess Royal, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and the Duke of Kent.

The annual celebration drew on the theme of resilience, at a time when the royal family has faced a barrage of health troubles.

The King stressed in his address how unity was essential for the family of nations, saying: “I cannot say often enough that it is by coming together that we create the best chances to improve our world and the lives of people everywhere.”

Protesters from the Republic campaign group gathered at Westminster Abbey, carrying placards bearing the slogan "down with the crown".

Graham Smith, chief executive of the group, said: "The platitudes we hear from Charles and Camilla only serve to paper over serious concerns about human rights abuses and a lack of democracy in many Commonwealth countries.

“Reparations are a reasonable demand. As a hereditary monarch, Charles can hardly argue that what his ancestors did has nothing to do with him.”

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His remarks also recognised the 75th anniversary of the Commonwealth, established in 1949 when eight countries, Australia, Britain, Ceylon, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa and Canada, signed the Declaration of London.

In past years some commentators have criticised the Commonwealth for its apparent weakness and ineffectiveness when dealing with member states who do not abide by the rules.

But supporters of the family of nations believe it allows countries to unify on common causes and ultimately, through unity, effect change.

Charles said: “As I have said before, the Commonwealth is like the wiring of a house, and its people, our energy and our ideas are the current that runs through those wires.

“Together and individually we are strengthened by sharing perspectives and experiences, and by offering and borrowing the myriad ways we have each tackled the challenges of our time.

“This is true both at the level of nations and, indeed, at the local level. We recognise today that our diversity is our greatest strength.”

He went on: “Wherever we live, we are united by the many challenges we face, whether it be climate change, the loss of nature, or the social and economic changes that new technologies are bringing.”

The service focused on stories of environmental resilience and marine sustainability, through performances representing the five regions of the Commonwealth.

Among the guests was former Spice Girl Geri Horner. Her husband Christian Horner, boss of Formula One team Red Bull, was investigated recently following an allegation of “inappropriate behaviour” which was later dismissed.

Sir Ben Okri, the poet and Booker Prize winning novelist, read his prose piece called Transcending History, telling those gathered: “You can never tell what happens when people hang out together for historical, cultural reasons.

“Families are formed not only of blood but affinity. No family ever stands secure without the mortar of respect, without the magnetism of affection.”

After the prayers and hymns the royal family met some of those who performed at the event, and William could not contain his delight at meeting Akrama Muyamja, a 14-year-old performer from the dance troupe Ghetto Kids.

Speaking about the teenager he said to another guest in the line-up: “This guy was the star of the show – the hip movement. He was incredible and the great big smiles as he was doing it.”

A few minutes later his words were echoed by Edward who told the teenager: “That winning smile – a little cheeky.”

Later the Queen attended the annual evening reception marking Commonwealth Day and was hosted by Baroness Scotland, the family of nation’s Secretary-General.

High Commissioners from across the globe chatted with the Queen in London’s Marlborough House, the home of the Commonwealth’s civil service.

Entertainment reflected the nations present, and Camilla stopped to chat with South African performers and others from Samoa, the nation that will host the next meeting of Commonwealth leaders later this year.

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