The Queen was represented today by Prince Charles and Camilla, Prince William, Prince William, and Kate, after the 95 year-old monarch had missed the Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey. This is the first time that the queen has been absent from the service in almost a decade.
The Queen had earlier said she hoped the Commonwealth ‘remains an influential force for good in our world for many generations to come’ as she renewed her promise made in 1947 to ‘always be devoted in service’. Buckingham Palace released today the Commonwealth Day Message of Head of State, ahead of the annual service.
The Queen, who has recently recovered from coronavirus and has been experiencing mobility issues, had hoped to attend the important event in the royal calendar alongside Charles, Camilla, William and Kate.
As they arrived, both the Prince of Wales (and the Duchess) of Cornwall were welcomed by their hosts. While the Duke and Duchess were inside the church’s place of worship, the royal couple kissed on each other and were then allowed to enter the room.
Last Friday’s palace officials confirmed that the Queen, Head of the Commonwealth, had requested Charles her son to be her representative at the service. They discussed arrangements with Royal Household members.
The monarch decided to not take part in order to make sure her comfort, as she now uses a stick regularly and has discussed her mobility issues openly.
An announcement by the monarch three days earlier was made after the order for service was printed. As she was identified in the document, she required that the congregation stand before she entered her seat.
Today’s sermon was delivered by the Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle (Dean of Westminster), who said: ‘In this Jubilee, in which we rejoice over the 70 years that Her Majesty, Queen, has presided in this Commonwealth, also we thank God for his faithfulness and pledge to learn from her example of service and duty. We will now follow the footsteps of the great Commonwealth tour she started 70 years ago in words and music at the Abbey.
Before the royals arrived, Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Labour leader Sir Keir Sternmer were among the guests. Foreign Secretary Liz Truss was also present along with David Walliams, who brought Kathleen.
This afternoon was also attended by Sarah Clarke (Lady Usher of Black Rod), Mark Spencer (Leader of the House of Commons), Philip Reeker, US Ambassador, and Baroness Patricia Scotland – along with Jacob Rees–Mogg.
Today, the Queen stated that it was rewarding to see a vibrant, connected Commonwealth, which combines history and tradition with great technological, social and cultural advances.
Prince William Camilla, Prince Charles, and Kate talk upon their arrival at Westminster Abbey London in the afternoon
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrive at Westminster Abbey for the Commonwealth Service this afternoon
This afternoon, the Commonwealth Service will see the Duchess and Duke of Cambridge arrive at Westminster Abbey.
Today’s Commonwealth Service is at Westminster Abbey, London. The Duke and Duchess are there.
This afternoon, the Duchess Of Cambridge will arrive at Westminster Abbey’s Commonwealth Service in London.
Today’s Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey sees the Duke of Cambridge and Duchess Of Cambridge sitting side-by-side.
While attending the Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey today, The Duchess is smiling.
Today, the Duchess Of Cambridge will arrive at Westminster Abbey, London to participate in the Commonwealth Service
Today’s Commonwealth Service is at Westminster Abbey, London. The Duke and Duchess are there.
Today’s Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey sees the Duke of Cambridge and Duchess Of Cambridge sitting side-by-side.
Today, the Prince of Wales (left), and the Duchess Cornwall arrived at Westminster Abbey’s Commonwealth Service.
Today sees the arrival of the Prince of Wales, and the Duchess Cornwall at Westminster Abbey’s Commonwealth Service.
Today sees the arrival of the Prince of Wales, and the Duchess Cornwall at Westminster Abbey’s Commonwealth Service.
Prince Charles and Camilla arrived at Westminster Abbey, London’s Commonwealth Service this afternoon
The Prince of Wales and the Duchess Of Cambridge meet at Westminster Abbey, London today.
Prince Charles holds the Duchess Cornwall’s hand as they arrive at Westminster Abbey today afternoon
Prince Charles, Camilla and the Commonwealth Service in Westminster Abbey London listen this afternoon
To attend the Commonwealth Service ceremony, Prince William arrives in Westminster Abbey today.
From left to right: Prince Charles and Camilla at Westminster Abbey today. Prince William, Prince William, Kate, Princess Alexandria.
Today is Commonwealth Day and Princess Alexandria arrives at Westminster Abbey, London’s Commonwealth Service.
NEW YORK — Sophie the Countess Of Wessex is in New York City today for Commonwealth Day.
The Queen wrote from Windsor Castle that she enjoyed the “privilege of listening to what the connections built across the vast reach and diversity in the Commonwealth have meant for people and communities”.
Und sie sagte: “In these difficult times, I hope you can draw strength und inspiration from the things we share, while we work together toward a healthy and sustainable future for everyone.
‘And on this special day for our family – in a year that will include the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting and the Commonwealth Games – I hope we can deepen our resolve to support and serve one another, and endeavour to ensure the Commonwealth remains an influential force for good in our world for many generations to come.’
The Daily Mail reports that today’s Queen is “under review” and unlikely to undertake any major public engagements, such as investitures.
Sources claim that the monarch has not been diagnosed with an illness and is still committed to fulfilling her obligations as a state official.
But senior royal aides – as well as the Queen herself – are understood to have accepted that the ‘frailties that come with living a long life’ are finally catching up with her.
Although she may still be able to attend public events, her attendance will be severely restricted.
It means that she must stand for hours on end while public investitures of her are conducted. They will instead be performed by the Prince, Duke and Princess Royal.
The Daily Mail was told by a source that the Queen is as active, interested and able as ever. However, her physical strength is not what it used to be, something which is quite understandable in a woman her age.
Buckingham Palace declined comment. According to a source, however, the Royal Family is well aware of the significance of incenses for recognising service or celebrating individuals’s contributions to society. This has led to a drive to get rid off the Covid restrictions.
The Prince of Wales and Princess Royal, as well as the Duke of Cambridge, have led this charge. While it’s clear that the trio will carry on in that manner, I would not rule out Her Majesty making smaller or unique investitures.
This news is coming after the monarch had to withdraw from today’s Commonwealth Service.
Buckingham Palace announced last Friday that the Prince of Wales had been asked to stand for her at Westminster Abbey.
Although the Queen is suffering debilitating health issues and uses a walking sticks more often, she was deeply remorseful about this decision.
At the Commonwealth Service, today’s Duke of Cambridge and Prime Minister Boris Johnson shake hands
Boris Johnson, Prime Minister of the Commonwealth Service arrives at Westminster Abbey this afternoon
Boris Johnson (right), Prime Minister, meets The Right Reverend & the Right Honourable Lady Sentamu today
Labour leader Sir KeirStarmer (left), Home Secretary Priti Paitel (right), are both present at the Commonwealth Service this afternoon
David Walliams, TV personality and author arrives with Kathleen his mother at Westminster Abbey this afternoon
Foreign Secretary Liz Truss (left) and Sarah Clarke, Lady Usher of the Black Rod (right), at the Commonwealth Service today
Mark Spencer, Leader of the House of Commons and US Ambassador Philip Reeker at Westminster Abbey today
Jacob Rees Mogg MP and Baroness Patricia Scotland arrive today at Westminster Abbey to attend the service
This afternoon, Liz Truss is the Foreign Secretary and arrives at Westminster Abbey, London to participate in the Commonwealth Service
Today, Priti Patel, Home Secretary, speaks at Westminster Abbey with Sir Kenneth Olisa Obe Lord-Lietenant of London.
Jacob Rees Mogg, Priti Patel and Liz Truss smile as Liz Truss seems stony-faced before the Westminster Abbey service today
Today’s Commonwealth Service in London will see a steel band outside Westminster Abbey.
The Commonwealth Day Message was signed by Queen Elizabeth II in St George’s Hall, Windsor Castle on March 5, 2021
As she released her Commonwealth Day Message, today’s Queen stated that she will always be devoted for service.
Commonwealth Day was last celebrated by the Royal Family in March 2020 (pictured). This is when Duchess and Duke of Sussex, who were making their final public appearance before they moved to North America, attended the celebration.
She would be making her first public appearance since Oct. last year.
The last time she missed the service was nine years ago. She had been suffering from gastroenteritis.
The Queen was present at the Commonwealth Day service every year since 1993, when she contracted the flu.
Buckingham Palace had said she hoped to attend three significant events in March – the annual Diplomatic Reception, which was cancelled as a result of the war in Ukraine, the Commonwealth Service, and the service of thanksgiving for her late husband at Westminster Abbey on March 29.
The Mail understands that the Queen – who also contracted Covid last month – is still determined to attend the service for the Duke of Edinburgh and may even be ‘pacing herself’ in public so she can.
She met Justin Trudeau, Canada’s prime minister, at Windsor Castle last Monday. This was her first meeting in person since she recovered from Covid.
According to Mr Trudeau, and others, she was healthy and didn’t use her walking stick.
A second source confirmed that she was bright, alert and able to walk relatively comfortably when she saw her last month at Sandringham.
However, insiders admit that the Queen, just like all women her age, has had ‘good and bad days’ as one would expect.
The Commonwealth is affectionately called the “family of nations” and has been an integral part of her reign.
A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said that the Queen had discussed the arrangement with the royal family and asked for the Prince of Wales’ representation at Monday’s Commonwealth service at Westminster Abbey.
“The Queen will keep going with her other engagements in the coming week, which include in-person audiences.”
The service today at Westminster Abbey will feature an address by Lord Sentamu the former archbishop, reflections by Elizabeth Kite the young Tongan leader and special music performances by Mica and Emeli Sande.
This service, organized by the Royal Commonwealth Society of Canada will highlight the Queen’s Commonwealth Day message.
This would have marked the Queen’s first public appearance in public since February, when she reached her Platinum Jubilee milestone.
Royal commentators are likely to interpret her decision to not attend as a precautionary move and a practical step, rather than an indication of a health problem.
Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the House of Commons at today’s ceremony at London’s Commonwealth Memorial Gates
Today’s commemorative Ceremony and Laying of Wreaths at the Commonwealth Memorial Gates, London.
At today’s Commonwealth Memorial Gates ceremony, The Last Post is performed.
Lord Chartres (the former Bishop of London) speaks at a Commonwealth Memorial Gates ceremony today
Baroness Patricia Scotland places a wreath today during the Commonwealth Memorial Gates commemorative ceremony
As the Queen is due to celebrate her 95th birthday within six weeks, it’s important to maintain her comfort. Although she tried to make her best efforts during her Covid bout, it is clear that she is trying to keep her calm.
The Commonwealth Day was last celebrated by the Royal Family in 2020. This year, the Duke and Duchess were the last to make a public appearance before they moved to North America.
Yesterday, it was reported that Queen Elizabeth II hasn’t been able walk her dog at Windsor in the past six months. However, sources said she had been on the estate.
The Mail on Sunday reported that courtiers had enough concern to discuss whether or not she could be mobile enough for Philip’s funeral.
It will naturally raise questions about the Queen’s ability to participate in June’s festivities to celebrate her Platinum Jubilee.