Princess Kate beams as she joins Prince William for Commonwealth Day | Royal | News

The Prince and Princess of Wales have arrived for today’s Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey. The beaming pair have joined the King and Queen and other senior royals for the celebratory service, which is a staple in the royal diary each year.

Catherine is wearing a navy blue dress by Catherine Walker and earrings that belonged to the late Queen Elizabeth II. She is accessorising with a large-brimmed Sean Berret hat and a striking pearl necklace by Susan Caplan. Princess Anne and her husband, Sir Timothy Laurence, arrived just before them.

The royals were greeted by the Dean of Westminster and presented to the Chapter and members of the Royal Commonwealth Society upon entry into the Abbey. The King and Queen were the last to arrive, shaking the hands of those in the line-up before greeting the rest of the family with warm kisses.

Charles opened up his arms to welcome his eldest son and heir with a smile of delight.

Meanwhile, Catherine, who was wearing a blue Catherine Walker dress, found that her wide-brimmed hat prevented her from making the traditional greeting of kissing both cheeks. This led to an outbreak of giggles among her, Camilla and Anne.

The Queen had opted for a similarly large red hat by Philip Treacy, which complicated matters. While, the King’s sister was wearing a small green hat that fitted neatly on her hair.

Princess Anne smiled apologetically at Catherine, indicating that she wouldn’t even attempt a kiss. Others just offered a peck on one cheek for fear of knocking their sizeable headwear.

Led by the King, the family then formed into a processional group ahead of the National Anthem.

The King’s annual address to the family of nations was included in a special booklet given to the congregation. In his message, Charles praised the “precious” Commonwealth, describing it as a forum for “honest discussion” aimed at improving the lives of billions in an “increasingly fragmented” world.

He also urged members to work together and “stand as a force for good” during “a time of great challenge” across the world, in a nod to the recent outbreak of war in the Middle East.

The annual celebration of the Commonwealth of Nations is being marked with a special service attended by senior members of the Royal Family, leading politicians and diplomats, among a congregation of 1,800.

Spice Girl Geri Halliwell-Horner, an ambassador for the Royal Commonwealth Society, which stages the event, will give an address, and there will be a reflection from former Strictly Come Dancing judge Oti Mabuse and a poem from Selina Tusitala Marsh, the inaugural Commonwealth poet laureate.

As head of the Commonwealth, Charles issues an annual message to the 56 member nations, which will hold their biennial meeting this year during the first week of November in the capital of Antigua and Barbuda.

Inspired by the meeting’s theme – accelerating partnerships and investment for a prosperous Commonwealth – the service will celebrate collaboration as the defining strength of the modern family of nations.

Among the congregation will be Commonwealth high commissioners, young people and leading voices from the creative community.

The service will feature landmark artistic moments, including the world premiere of the Commonwealth Symphony, composed by Rekesh Chauhan, and a bespoke dance collaboration between the Royal Ballet School and Sapnay Entertainments, uniting classical ballet and Bollywood in a powerful expression of cross-cultural partnership.

Other performers include a Scottish ceilidh band, the Melodians Steel Orchestra and special reflections and readings from guests.