King Charles promises to serve to 'the best of my ability' in new video message to the Commonwealth
Both King Charles and Princess Catherine will miss the annual Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey today due to ill health
King Charles has recorded a new video message to address the Commonwealth, as his ongoing cancer treatment means he cannot attend the annual Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey today.
The King, 75, recorded the message as representatives 56 nations gather in London for Commonwealth Day celebrations.
"I have been most deeply touched by your 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,” King Charles says.
The King's message will be played at the service, with marks the 75th anniversary of the Commonwealth – a voluntary association of 56 independent and equal countries from Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and Americas, the Pacific and Europe. Charles is King of 14 nations, including New Zealand, Australia and Canada.
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The situation now is in stark contrast to last year, when King Charles delivered his first Commonwealth Day message as monarch from the great pulpit at Westminster Abbey. His ongoing cancer treatment, however, has meant he has had to take a step back from his duties, and will be represented by his wife, Queen Camilla. Prince William and other royal family members will also be in attendance.
Around 2,000 guests will hear the King's message today, in which he reveals his personal affection for the Commonwealth.
"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 – a precious source of strength, inspiration, and pride.
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"My belief in our shared endeavours and in the potential of our people remains as sure and strong as it has ever been. I have no doubt that we will continue to support one another across the Commonwealth as, together, we continue this vital journey," he says.
King Charles isn't the only member of the royal family who will miss the service today. Still recovering from abdominal surgery in January, Princess Catherine will also be absent. Yesterday the Princess released a new photo of herself and the children looking relaxed and happy – the caption thanked the public for their support over the last few months, and she signed off by wishing everyone a 'Happy Mother's Day - C'.
You can read the King's message in full on the Commonwealth website.
Kerrie is the editor of woman&home (digital). For seven years previously she was editor of Future’s world-leading design title Creative Bloq, and has written for titles including T3, Coach and Fit&Well on a wide range of lifestyle topics.
After a decade of working in retail, Kerrie went back to education at the ripe old age of 27, graduating with a first-class honours degree in creative writing three years later. Her career in journalism began soon after, when she secured a job as a staff writer at Future Plc. In the 14 years since, she has worked her way up to editor level, gaining a wealth of digital experience along the way.
As a woman&home reader and a senior digital editor, Kerrie’s main purpose is to ensure the brand delivers high-quality, relevant content to help enrich and improve women’s lives – a responsibility she feels hugely passionate about.
Outside of work, if she manages to find a spare minute around her three young children, geriatric dog and activity-obsessed fiance, you’ll find her either throwing a barbell about at Crossfit, with her head in a good thriller novel or building one of the latest Lego ideas sets.
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