The service was the largest gathering of senior royals since Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's arrest two weeks ago on suspicion of misconduct in office related to ties with Jeffrey Epstein, according to multiple reports. According to the Times, King Charles is likely to discuss removing Andrew from the line of succession during a meeting with Commonwealth leaders. Andrew is currently eighth in line to the throne, and his removal would require legislation in the UK and approval from other Commonwealth realms, according to multiple reports. The specific actions or evidence that led to Andrew's arrest remain unclear, as do the exact details of the meeting where King Charles is expected to address his removal from succession.
Royal arrivals at Westminster Abbey followed a specific order, with the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester arriving first, followed by Princess Anne and Sir Tim Laurence, then the Prince and Princess of Wales, and finally the King and Queen, according to multiple reports. The King warmly embraced Prince William upon arrival, according to research sources. Queen Camilla greeted the Prince and Princess of Wales with a double kiss, according to research sources. The King and Queen ignored noisy anti-monarchy protesters as they entered the Abbey, according to multiple reports.
Ignore them.
Kate Middleton's fashion choices drew significant attention at the service. She wore a cobalt coatdress by Catherine Walker, a Sean Barrett hat, Gianvito Rossi pumps, a Strathberry bag, and a vintage faux pearl necklace, according to multiple reports. Her Bahrain pearl drop earrings once belonged to Queen Elizabeth II, according to research sources. Princess Anne and Kate Middleton blew kisses to each other to avoid bumping hats due to their large headwear, according to multiple reports.
Queen Camilla wore a bright red coat by Fiona Clare and a matching hat by Philip Treacy, according to multiple reports. Her speech included a phrase that multiple reports indicate was seen as a thinly-veiled reference to the Jeffrey Epstein case and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's alleged role.
It's not good out there...it's rather tense, isn't it?
King Charles wore his usual light blue suit and matching tie, according to multiple reports. He delivered a written message in the Order of Service, calling the Commonwealth a 'force for good' and urging unity, according to the King himself.
Outside Westminster Abbey, anti-monarchy protesters from the Republic group demonstrated with signs referencing Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and chanting 'Not my King', according to research sources. The protestors included a group from the Republic pressure group and featured a 15ft-tall dinosaur puppet named Chuck the Rex, according to research sources.
We're not happy.
The BBC did not broadcast the Commonwealth Day service live for the first time in 37 years, instead showing Escape to the Country during the traditional broadcast slot, according to research sources. The BBC stated the decision not to broadcast live was due to funding challenges, according to the broadcaster itself.
The service included readings from Geri Halliwell-Horner and Oti Mabuse, according to research sources. The congregation chanted an affirmation of belief in the Commonwealth during the service, according to research sources. Approximately 1,800-2,000 guests attended, including diplomats, politicians, and young people, according to research sources. The Commonwealth comprises 56 member states with a combined population of 2.7 billion, according to research sources.
I've had enough of hearing his name.
Notable absences included Princess Beatrice and Eugenie, who were not at the service, with multiple reports indicating concerns about their attendance at Royal Ascot amid the Andrew scandal. The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh were also absent, reportedly supporting Team GB at the Paralympic Winter Games in Italy, according to research sources.
An unexpected attendee was Prince Albert of Monaco, who came to the service despite Monaco not being part of the Commonwealth, according to research sources.
Shame must change sides.
Following the service, the King and Queen hosted a Commonwealth Day reception at St James's Palace in the evening, according to research sources.
Separately from the Commonwealth Day events, Carole Middleton attended Cheltenham Festival's Ladies Day with Queen Camilla, Princess Anne, and Zara and Mike Tindall, according to multiple reports. She wore a feather-trimmed fedora borrowed from Kate Middleton and a £50,000 vintage Hermes Birkin handbag, according to multiple reports.
I agree, of course, that's another conversation.
Carole Middleton is often involved in family activities, such as school runs for Pippa's children and helping at Bucklebury Farm, according to multiple reports.
In another fashion note, Kate Middleton wore Cartier 'Trinity' hoop earrings, believed to be a gift from Prince William for her 43rd birthday, during a royal outing in London, according to multiple reports.
Oh, hello..
The events surrounding Commonwealth Day revealed several unresolved questions beyond the immediate ceremonies. It remains unknown what specific evidence led to Andrew's arrest, what King Charles will say in his meeting about succession, how many royals attended exactly, what Camilla's speech meant precisely, and what Prince William's comments referred to.
Hello darling...good to see you.
Quick, over here.