A forensic lip reader has disclosed that Princess Anne instructed her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, to "ignore" a group of anti-monarchy protestors during the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey. The event, led by King Charles, marked the largest gathering of senior royals since the arrest of Prince Andrew, drawing attention amidst ongoing scandals.
Royal Reactions to Protestors
On Monday, as the Royal Family assembled for the Commonwealth Day service, a small but vocal group from the Republic pressure group waved banners with messages like "What Did You Know?" and "Not My King," questioning the King and senior royals about Prince Andrew's ties to Jeffrey Epstein. According to lip reader Nicola Hickling, Princess Anne, 75, was typically stoic when Sir Tim, 71, pointed out the protestors, telling him, "don't listen to them, ignore them."
In an effort to distract from the shouts, Anne remarked, "Oh listen to that, do you know what it is they’re playing?" as she walked past the band. Meanwhile, King Charles, 77, appeared to express concerns about the protest, saying, "It's not good out there...it's rather tense, isn't it? It's not good," before greeting his family.
Tense Exchanges Among Royals
During the service, Prince William, 43, seemed to respond to the King's worries, stepping forward and stating, "We’re not happy." In a brief exchange with Princess Anne, William also said, "I've had enough of hearing his name," though it remains unclear who he referred to, possibly alluding to the fallout from Prince Andrew's arrest. Nicola noted that William added, "It's up for debate," during a subdued conversation with his aunt.
Upon his arrival, King Charles shared a tense moment with William, uttering "oh finally" with an irritated expression, to which William responded with a kiss on both cheeks but no verbal reply. Later, Anne had a more light-hearted interaction with Kate, 44, when their large hats made a formal kiss greeting impractical. Anne improvised by blowing Kate a kiss from afar, leading to laughter as Kate placed a hand on Anne's arm.
Royal Attire and Protocol
Kate dazzled in a cobalt Catherine Walker dress coat and a five-strand pearl necklace that belonged to Queen Elizabeth II, paired with a sophisticated felt Sean Barrett hat. Anne opted for a forest green pencil skirt and jacket, adorned with a rose-coloured diamond and gold floral brooch, believed to be an 18th birthday gift from the late Queen and Prince Philip, which she also wore in her 1973 engagement photos.
The royal party, including the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, arrived to a fanfare and were greeted by the Dean of Westminster, forming a processional group led by the King. The service featured hymns and a message from King Charles, who emphasized collaboration and the Commonwealth's role in addressing global challenges like conflict and climate change.
King Charles's Commonwealth Message
In his annual Commonwealth Day message, King Charles highlighted the theme of "collaboration," acknowledging difficult times but stressing the organization's "enduring spirit." He noted the Commonwealth's diversity and shared values, such as justice and democracy, and pointed to its potential for trade and youth engagement. The King also underscored environmental stewardship, linking it to the prosperity of future generations.
The event drew large crowds and an 1,800-strong congregation, celebrating the Commonwealth's 56 member countries. As the royals navigated the protests and protocol, the day showcased both the tensions and resilience within the monarchy, with Princess Anne's no-nonsense advice epitomizing the family's response to external pressures.
