Queen Camilla and Prince William attend the Commonwealth Day service on March 11, 2024.Photo:HENRY NICHOLLS/POOL/AFP via Getty
HENRY NICHOLLS/POOL/AFP via Getty
Prince Williamis making his first appearance since his wifeKate Middletonapologized for the controversyover theediting of an official family photo.
Although she’s usually a regular at the event, Princess Kate wasn’t expected to attend the Commonwealth Day service amid her surgery recovery. She is not expected back at her royal duties until after Easter.
However, the Princess of Wales, 42, waspictured on Mondayriding in a car with her husband heading to a “private appointment.”
Prince William attends Commonwealth Day service on March 11, 2024.HENRY NICHOLLS/POOL/AFP via Getty
Prince William’s outing came about four hours after Princess Kate issued a statement on social mediaapologizing for editing a pictureof her and her three children,Prince George, 10,Princess Charlotte, 8, andPrince Louis, 5. The image,released on Sundayto mark Mother’s Day in the U.K., was the first official photograph of the Princess of Wales since her abdominal surgery on Jan. 16. But it led to the palace facing questions after established photo agencies, including the AP and Reuters, withdrew the photo citing concerns over manipulation.
Prince William attends the Commonwealth Day service on March 11, 2024.Samir Hussein/WireImage
Samir Hussein/WireImage
After more than a week ofquestions about Princess Kate’s healthandsocial media rumorsfollowing her abdominal surgery, the picture was meant to both thank people for their good wishes and calm fears about the royal’s health. However, the photo sparked controversy as media outlets questioned if it had been manipulated.
Prince William kept up his public duty amid the controversy as he arrived at Westminster Abbey in London on Monday afternoon.
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Queen Camilla, Prince William, Prince Edward, Duchess Sophie and Princess Anne at the Commonwealth Day service on March 11, 2024.GEOFF PUGH/POOL/AFP via Getty
GEOFF PUGH/POOL/AFP via Getty
Queen Camilla, 76, representedKing Charles, 75, who couldn’t attend the annual service due to his ongoingcancer treatment, while other members of the royal family, includingPrince Edward, whocelebrated his 60th birthdayover the weekend, and his wife,Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, were also in attendance.
Other royals in attendance included Princess Anne, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucesterand the Duke of Kent.
This marked a rare appearance at the Commonwealth Day service for Queen Elizabeth’s cousins, according toGert’s Royals. While the Duchess of Gloucester has attended the event once before, this year was the Duke of Gloucester and the Duke of Kent’s first time at the staple on the royal calendar.
Geri Halliwell-Horner attends Commonwealth Day service on March 11, 2024.Samir Hussein/WireImage
Spice GirlGeri Halliwell-Hornerwas among the 2,000 people who gathered at Westminster Abbey for the Commonwealth Day service.
The service celebrated the global network of 56 countries with the 2024 theme “One Resilient Common Future: Transforming our Commonwealth."
In his address, King Charles made the link with his own lifetime, as he is as old as the institution.
“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,” he said.
Urging people to “work together to understand each other’s perspectives, including the inequalities and injustices which still resonate to this day,” he added that “our diversity is our greatest strength.”
As they left the Commonwealth Day service, Queen Camilla accepted flowers from a local schoolgirl, who dipped into a curtsy for the royal.
Prince William also greeted the children outside with a handshake and chatted with the choir members.
Queen Camilla at the Commonwealth Day service on March 11, 2024.Chris Jackson/Getty
Chris Jackson/Getty
source: people.com
