Today, The Duchess of Cambridge joined Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the members of the Royal Family at Westminster Abbey for the annual Commonwealth Day Service. The service is conducted on the second Monday of March month every year.
Queen Elizabeth is head of the Commonwealth that includes 53 Nations with 2.4 billion population. Commonwealth Day, formerly known as Empire Day, is the annual celebration of the Commonwealth of Nations. The first Empire Day took place on 24 May 1902, celebrated prior to 1901 as the birthday of Queen Victoria, who died on 22 January 1901.
Beautiful floral arrangements specially made by NAFAS – National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies for today’s Commonwealth Day service were put around the Abbey. They feature flowers from many Commonwealth nations.
Every year Her Majesty issues a message on Commonwealth Day. This year in her message the Queen said,“We all have reason to give thanks for the numerous ways in which our lives are enriched when we learn from others. Through exchanging ideas, and seeing life from other perspectives, we grow in understanding and work more collaboratively towards a common future. There is a very special value in the insights we gain through the Commonwealth connection; shared inheritances help us overcome difference so that diversity is a cause for celebration rather than division. We shall see this in action at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting which takes place in the United Kingdom next month, bringing together young people, business and civil society from across the Commonwealth. These gatherings are themselves fine examples of how consensus and commitment can help to create a future that is fairer, more secure, more prosperous and sustainable. Having enjoyed the warm hospitality of so many Commonwealth countries over the years, I look forward to the pleasure of welcoming the leaders of our family of 53 nations to my homes in London and Windsor. Sport also contributes to building peace and development. The excitement and positive potential of friendly rivalry will be on display next month as we enjoy the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast, Australia. Contributing to the success of the Games, alongside athletes and officials, will be thousands of volunteers. Voluntary effort, by people working as individuals, in groups or through larger associations, is so often what shapes the Commonwealth and all our communities. By pledging to serve the common good in new ways, we can ensure that the Commonwealth continues to grow in scope and stature, to have an even greater impact on people’s lives, today, and for future generations.”
On the occasion, the flags of all 53 member countries were flying at Westminster in London today.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Harry and Ms. Meghan Markle arrive at @Wabbey for The Commonwealth Service. #CommonwealthDay pic.twitter.com/sIkCMFxCq5
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) March 12, 2018
Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrived at Abbey shortly before the service and enjoyed a performance from Ghanaian musicians and performers One-Drum.
The service took place in the presence of some 2,000 participants including High Commissioners and dignitaries from around the Commonwealth, in addition to 1,000 young people from schools across the UK. As head of the Commonwealth, the Queen has reinforced links and seen the association of nations grow from seven to fifty-three members during her reign.
Her Majesty The Queen, Head of The Commonwealth, arrives at @Wabbey for today’s #CommonwealthDay Service. pic.twitter.com/HCDbqFLhHq
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) March 12, 2018
Queen Elizabeth II arrived at Westminster Abbey for today’s service. A noticeable absentee was the Duke of Edinburgh. Prince Philip announced his retirement from public life last year at the age of 96 due to his health.
The British National Anthem is sung by the congregation in the presence of The Queen. #CommonwealthDay pic.twitter.com/qc2cf3osF8
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) March 12, 2018
The British National Anthem is sung by the congregation in the presence of The Queen,
‘As we give thanks for our rich diversity and for our common humanity, let us pray together for peace and unity’ – Dr John Hall, Dean of Westminster, gives the bidding during The Commonwealth Service at @Wabbey. #CommonwealthDay pic.twitter.com/5dXcc9IQI2
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) March 12, 2018
‘As we give thanks for our rich diversity and for our common humanity, let us pray together for peace and unity’ – Dr John Hall, Dean of Westminster, gives the bidding during The Commonwealth Service.
Today’s performances included One Direction singer Liam Payne.
Eye surgeon and Co-Founder of Peek Vision, Dr. Andrew Bastawrous provides a reflection on his work to bring better vision to people around the world through the latest technology and health intelligence.
All members of the congregation stand for The Act of Affirmation to the Commonwealth read by the Commonwealth Secretary-General, @PScotlandCSG. #CommonwealthDay pic.twitter.com/5nj8Ylrlpq
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) March 12, 2018
All members of the congregation stand for The Act of Affirmation to the Commonwealth read by the Commonwealth Secretary-General.
The flags of the Commonwealth nations are processed out of the Abbey.
After the service, Her Majesty greeted the members of the public and received a posy.
Catherine greeted the performers.
The Duchess of Cambridge was presented with beautiful flowers.
Outside the abbey, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge met school children who came from different parts of the country.
For today’s event, The Duchess of Cambridge once again repeated her stunning maternity style.
She brought back the elegant Beulah London Chiara coat she first wore for a service of commemoration to mark the end of combat operations in Afghanistan at St Paul’s Cathedral when she was expecting Princess Charlotte in 2015.
This piece is cut in a fit-and-flare silhouette and is makes layering easy and comfortable with concealed buttons to keep the design clean and elegant. The coat is available on pre-order at Beulah London official website.
Duchess paired the coat with Lock & Co Tiffany Drop-brim hat and Rupert Sanderson Malory heels.
Catherine was carrying Jimmy Choo Celeste clutch this time in the navy. It’s the third piece in the same design in Duchess’ wardrobe.
Catherine teamed up the brooch with floral earrings that she debuted during Royal Foundation Forum. The earring’s label is yet to be identified.
As The Duchess is nearing her due date, every time we are seeing a glowing Duchess in stunning maternity looks. We will see her next on Saturday at St. Patrick’s Day Parade at Cavalry Barracks.