Kate Middleton and Prince William stepped out with King Charles for the first time since ex-Prince Andrew's arrest in February
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The Prince and Princess of Wales attended the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey on March 9
The King was also joined by Queen Camilla and other royals for the annual service
Kate MiddletonandPrince Williamshowed their support forKing Charlesat the biggest public gathering of royals since the former Prince Andrew was arrested.
On March 9, the Prince and Princess of Wales attended the annual Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey in London, the couple's wedding day venue in April 2011. They arrived in coordinating blue ensembles, with Kate wearing a Catherine Walker coat and matching hat.
They joined King Charles,Queen Camilla,Princess Anneand her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester for the service.
Prince Albert of Monaco also joined the congregation.
Inside, the royals greeted each other warmly, including acurtsy and a kiss on the cheekfor King Charles from his daughter-in-law, Princess Kate.
In other years,Andrew Mountbatten-Windsormight have attended. But, after hestepped back from royal dutiesin the wake of his links with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in 2019, he did not attend many official royal engagements. However, he continued to join the royals at family events such as funerals and holiday church outings.
In October 2025, King Charles announced that he was stripping Andrew's royal titles and honors. In addition, Andrew would have to give up his lease at Royal Lodge, the residence where he's lived for many years.
Then came the bombshell news ofAndrew's arrest on Feb. 19, his 66thbirthday, at his temporary home of Wood Farm at the royal family's Sandringham estate in Norfolk, over allegations of misconduct in public office. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein.
At Westminster Abbey on March 9, anti-monarchy protestors gathered outside the service with signs alluding to Andrew's scandals. Some held letters that spelled out "What did you know?" while another read "Charles, what are you hiding?"
Inside, the 1,800-strong congregation at the Commonwealth Day service heard an address from former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell-Horner, who is a Royal Commonwealth Society Ambassador, while dancer Oti Mabuse gave a reflection. There was also a poem from Selina Tusitala Marsh, the inaugural Commonwealth Poet Laureate.
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There was also the world premiere of the Commonwealth Symphony, composed by Rekesh Chauhan and a collaboration between the Royal Ballet School and Sapnay Entertainments Ltd., which unveiled a cross-cultural partnership between classical ballet and Bollywood.
The service brought together government representatives, young people and leaders from the creative community, showcasing how the Commonwealth — which comprises the U.K. and the family of 55 other nations and 2.7 billion people — can harmonize its diverse voices.
The theme is said to have been inspired by the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2026 theme of Accelerating Partnerships and Investment for a Prosperous Commonwealth.
A traditional Scottish Ceilidh band and the Melodians Steel Drum Orchestra also contributed their unique talent to the service.
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Although the BBC traditionally broadcasts the Commonwealth Day service, the network did not do so this year for the first time since 1989. Instead, an episode ofEscape to the Country,a long-running reality TV show that follows prospective homeowners leaving city life,aired.
"Our decision not to broadcast the Commonwealth Day Ceremony in the same way we've done in previous years reflects the difficult choices we have to make in light of our funding challenges," the BBC said in a statement, perHello!magazine. "We can confirm BBC News plans to cover the service across its platforms, including the BBC One bulletins and rolling news channel."
King Charles also releases a message in honor of Commonwealth Day, withthis year's addressfocusing on being a "force for good" amid the world's challenges.
"We join together on this Commonwealth Day at a time of great challenge and great possibility," the King says in a preview of the full speech released over the weekend. "Across our world, communities and nations face the increasing pressures of conflict, climate change and rapid transformation. Yet it is often in such testing moments that the enduring spirit of the Commonwealth is most clearly revealed."
He continues, "Working together, we can ensure that the Commonwealth continues to stand as a force for good — grounded in community, committed to the kind of restorative sustainability that has a return on investment, enriched by culture, steadfast in its care for our planet, and united in friendship and in the service of its people."
Read the original article onPeople
