Royal Family marks Commonwealth Day

The Royal Family marked Commonwealth Day at a service at Westminster Abbey in London.

King Charles and Queen Camilla were joined by the Prince and Princess of Wales, the Princess Royal and Sir Timothy Laurence, and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester for the annual service.

Prince Albert of Monaco and the Aga Khan were also in the congregation of 1,800, surprising many.

They watched performances by the Royal Ballet School and the debut of the Commonwealth Symphony by composer Rekesh Chauhan. Readings, reflections and poems were also read, amongst other performances.

The BBC did not air the Commonwealth Day Service live for the first time in 37 years, amidst backlash for their decision, which they blamed on funding.

The day was not full of celebrations as the royals were greeted by anti-monarchy protestors outside the cathedral. They were booed, while members of the anti-monarchy group Republic held signs that said, “Not my king,” “Down with the crown,” and “Abolish the monarchy.”

The protests came after mounting pressure on the monarchy following the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor for suspicion of misconduct in a public office. The former prince previously served as the UK’s Special Representative for International Trade and Investment. He lost his title due to scrutiny regarding his relationship with American paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. Andrew has always denied any wrongdoing.

The Commonwealth Day Service is a highlight in the royal calendar and has been aired each year since 1989, with the exception of 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The service is held annually at Westminster Abbey.