The King has paid tribute to his “remarkable” mother in his first Commonwealth Day message as monarch.
After a pōwhiri from Ngāti Rānana London Māori Club as the royal family arrived at Westminister Abbey for the Commonwealth service, His Majesty, 74, gave a poignant speech, telling the congregation how the late Queen always treasured the chance to celebrate “our Commonwealth family”.
Hymns, a hongi and a hearty God Save the King from family
He continued, “In succeeding Her Majesty as Head of the Commonwealth, I draw great strength from her example, together with all that I have learnt from the extraordinary people I have met, throughout the Commonwealth, over so many years.”
The Wales’ blew in in blue!
The senior royals braved blustery conditions to attend the annual service, including the Prince and Princess of Wales, and Queen Consort Camilla, 75, who is carrying out duties again after testing positive for Covid last month. Also in attendance were the brand-new Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, Edward and Sophie.
Camilla had to hang onto her hat.
