Members of the Royal Family celebrate Commonwealth Day at the Abbey
Monday, 11th March 2024
Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales attended the annual Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey on Monday 11th March.
They were accompanied by TRH The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, HRH The Princess Royal, TRH The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and HRH The Duke of Kent.
Marked every year since the 1970s, Commonwealth Day recognises the unity and diversity of a remarkable family of nations, with a special service organised in the Abbey with the Royal Commonwealth Society at the heart of the celebrations.
In the 75th anniversary year of the Commonwealth, the theme for this year’s service was ‘One Resilient Common Future: Transforming our Commonwealth’.
On arrival at the Abbey, The Queen was welcomed by a performance by dancers from Eternal Taal, an all-female group of Indian Dhol drummers.
The King's message
During the service, which was conducted by the Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, a recording was played of His Majesty The King’s Commonwealth message saying:
‘My belief in our shared endeavours and in the potential of our people remains as sure and strong as it has ever been. I have no doubt that we will continue to support one another across the Commonwealth as, together, we continue this vital journey.’
About the service
The service included performances by acts from around the Commonwealth including Ugandan dance group The Ghetto Kids; English singer and songwriter Calum Scott and Maltese harpist Jacob Portelli; and Canadian pianist, Spencer Klymyshyn.
Marking Samoa’s role as the incoming Commonwealth Chair-in-Office, there was also a performance by Isabella Moore and Benson Wilson, who sang Samoan folk song Tofa Mai Feleni.
Lise Hosinger, Chief Operating Officer of the 2022 Earthshot Prize winners Notpla – who make plastic alternatives from seaweed - read a reflection.
