A multicultural service has taken place at Westminster Abbey as part of the celebrations of Commonwealth Day.

This year the King was unable to attend as he continues to receive treatment for his cancer diagnosis, but he did pre-record a message that was played to those in the congregation.

The royal family were represented by amongst others: Queen Camilla, Prince William, and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh.

This year it has extra significance as it marks the 75th anniversary of the modern commonwealth.

In his address, King Charles reflected on what he called “the remarkable journey of a unique family of free and independent nations”.

Also in attendance were the Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland, the President of Malta, Foreign Ministers, High Commissioners, senior politicians and dignitaries from across the Commonwealth.

Enormous community

Commonwealth Day is an annual celebration observed by people in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and Americas, the Pacific and Europe. It is traditionally celebrated on the second Monday in March, hence the celebrations on the 11th.

This year the theme was: “One Resilient Common Future: Transforming our Common Wealth”. The service was seeking to highlight the enormous community that the commonwealth incorporates, which covers geographical regions, religions and cultures right around the globe, embracing a population of over 2.5 billion.

King’s message

King Charles unfortunately was unable to attend, but he did sit down and create a message which was played at the service. In it he stressed that the commonwealth family is at its strongest when there is a connection through shared perspectives and mutual friendship.

He likened it to the wiring in a house, saying: “Our energy and our ideas are the current that runs through those wires.”

Special anniversary

Speaking about the fast approaching 75th anniversary – it was on 26 April 1949 that there was a declaration that republics and other independent countries could be equal members of a Commonwealth of Nations – he mentioned The Bahamas and Grenada, who both recently celebrated 50 years of independence, as well as Papua New Guinea who will do the same next year.

He called it a fulfilment of countless aspirations and the achievement of remarkable potential. Reflecting on the special anniversary he remarked: “Having recently celebrated my own seventy-fifth birthday, it warms my heart to reflect on the way the Commonwealth has been a constant throughout my own life and a precious source of strength, inspiration, and pride.”

Strength in diversity

He highlighted that whilst there may not be a shared history, the diversity was in his opinion “our greatest strength”. He said there was a common ambitions to work together to build resilience and respond to global challenges for a better future.

Pointing out that the Commonwealth comprised a third of humanity, he said he believed that by coming together it represented the best chance to improve the lives of people everywhere.

Thanks for best wishes

Touching on his own health issue, he said he had been moved by “the wonderfully kind and thoughtful good wishes for my health and, in return, can only continue to serve you, to the best of my ability, throughout the Commonwealth.”

He closed by reiterating that his belief in the shared endeavours and potential of the people remained “as sure and strong as it has ever been”. He said he had no doubt that there would be continued support for one another across the Commonwealth as, together, “we continue this vital journey”.

Strong royal turnout

In his absence, Her Majesty Queen Camilla was accompanied by the Prince of Wales, the Prince Edward and his wife Sophie, the Princess Royal, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and the Duke of Kent.

Prince William was pictured earlier in the day leaving Windsor Castle with Catherine making a brief appearance, although she is still not yet well enough to attend public events such as this service, as she continues to recover from her abdominal surgery, carried out in January.