King Charles has delivered his first Commonwealth Day message as monarch, hailing the “extraordinary potential” of the 56-nation association and stressing the “imperative to act” on its ideals to improve the lives of its 2.6 billion people. Speaking from the great pulpit at Westminster Abbey, he recalled his mother’s “particular pride” in the occasion and said the Commonwealth “has been a constant in my own life, and yet its diversity continues to amaze and inspire me.”
The King told the congregation of 2,000 senior royals, politicians and dignitaries that the Commonwealth’s “near boundless potential as a force for good in the world demands our highest ambition; its sheer scale challenges us to unite and be bold.” The service, which included the Prince and Princess of Wales, marked a departure from previous messages by Queen Elizabeth II, which were traditionally pre-recorded.
This year’s Commonwealth Day theme is “forging a sustainable and peaceful common future,” though it comes amid turbulent relations with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. The couple have yet to confirm whether they will attend the King’s coronation on 6 May, but have received email correspondence from the King’s office. The 2020 Commonwealth Day service was the last time the Sussexes appeared publicly with the royal family before leaving the UK.
During the service, a Commonwealth flag for peace was carried in the procession to mark 2023 as the Commonwealth year of peace. Musical performances came from saxophonist YolanDa Brown, West End stars Roshani Abbey and Nuwan Hugh Perera, and the all-female Amalgamation choir from Cyprus. After the service, the King and Queen Consort hosted a reception at Buckingham Palace for Commonwealth dignitaries.
