Numerous royals joined King Charles for the annual Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey, marking the family’s largest public gathering since Prince Andrew’s arrest. Attendees included the Prince and Princess of Wales, Princess Anne, and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, alongside Queen Camilla.
Beatrice and Eugenie’s Absence Explained
Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie did not appear at the event. Their absence stems from the tradition that limits participation to working royals only. Neither sister has attended a Commonwealth Day service in the past.
The sisters navigate fallout from their parents’ ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Sources indicate they should avoid public appearances with relatives amid ongoing scrutiny. However, this event’s working-royals-only policy fully accounts for their no-show.
Prince Andrew last attended in 2019, eight months before his BBC Newsnight interview led to his withdrawal from public duties.
Future Family Events
Beatrice and Eugenie have joined royals for Easter Sunday services in previous years. Royal expert Jennie Bond recommends they skip upcoming gatherings like Easter and Royal Ascot to minimize media attention.
Bond states: “The women care deeply about the damage to the royal family. The best support for their uncle and cousins is to keep distance for now. They could inform the King of prior commitments, easing his decisions.”
“Their presence would attract unwanted press, so a low profile benefits everyone.”
Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh Also Absent
Prince Edward and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, missed the service for the second consecutive year. They traveled to Italy to support ParalympicsGB at the Milan and Cortina Winter Paralympics.
Last year, Sophie conducted engagements in New York for International Women’s Day, coinciding with Edward’s 61st birthday.
Event Highlights and Attendees
The 1,800-person congregation featured Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Cabinet members, High Commissioners, and youth representatives. Spice Girl Geri Halliwell-Horner, Royal Commonwealth Society ambassador, delivered an address. Former Strictly Come Dancing professional Oti Mabuse offered a reflection, and Selina Tusitala Marsh, inaugural Commonwealth Poet Laureate, recited a poem.
King Charles’s Message
In his address, King Charles emphasized the Commonwealth’s value: “In a fragmented world, this voluntary union remains rare and precious—a forum for open discussion to improve lives for nearly three billion people across member states.”
He continued: “Our Commonwealth holds untapped trade potential among trusting partners. With nearly two-thirds of our population under 30, we represent youth and possibility.”
“We must ensure they inherit hope, ambition, and a flourishing world. This depends on planetary health and natural restoration. Climate change poses a lived reality in many Commonwealth areas.”
“Stewardship of nature, ocean and forest protection, and harmonious prosperity are duties to each other and future generations.”
