For her Commonwealth Day appearance, the Princess of Wales chose an outfit by her preferred designer, Erdem, known for its distinctive and elegant designs. Visit Erdem’s site.
The Prince and Princess were accompanied by other members of the royal family at the annual Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey, a key event celebrating the union of 56 diverse nations across continents. Below, flag-bearers represent each nation at the ceremony.
This year’s Commonwealth Day, the first since the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, was marked by a series of global events and was notably the first presided over by King Charles in his new role as King and Head of the Commonwealth. A member of the Ngāti Rānana London Māori Club greeted him with a traditional ‘Hongi’.
A gusty day saw attendees clutching their hats, with the Queen Consort pictured struggling to keep hers in place upon arrival.
The wind also caught the Princess’s skirt as she arrived.
Recently, Prince Edward was honored with the title of Duke of Edinburgh, a title previously held by his father, on his 59th birthday. He also took on the role of patron for the Duke of Edinburgh Award.
Inside Westminster Abbey, the service drew a large crowd including political figures, faith leaders, and athletes from the Commonwealth Games, alongside over 750 young participants from various schools and youth groups.
The royal family prepared to take their seats as the service began.
Special performances included a saxophonist and the all-female Amalgamation Choir from Cyprus, highlighting Rwanda’s role as Commonwealth Chair-in-Office with a performance by the National Ballet of Rwanda.
King Charles delivered a heartfelt Commonwealth Day message from the Abbey’s Great Pulpit, reflecting on his mother’s dedication to the Commonwealth and its potential as a force for good.
The royal family departed the Abbey after the service, with the King and Queen Consort, the Princess of Wales, and the Duchess of Edinburgh captured leaving the historic site.
