King Charles leads royals at Commonwealth Day service as he and Kate return after challenging year
The King and Princess of Wales made a triumphant return to Westminster Abbey for the Commonwealth Day service on Monday, one year after being forced to miss the ceremony due to their separate cancer diagnoses.
The monarch led the nation in celebrating the Commonwealth – 56 independent member countries including Australia – at the event alongside Queen Camilla, the Prince of Wales, the Princess Royal and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.
The line-up of the senior royals was in contrast to last year's service, which was led by Queen Camilla and Prince William, with the King and Catherine both absent due to serious health issues.
Continue through for more.
King Charles and Queen Camilla are greeted outside Westminster Abbey ahead of the 2025 Commonwealth Day service.
The Prince and Princess of Wales arrive at Westminster Abbey for the Commonwealth Day service.
Catherine chose a repeat Catherine Walker red coat dress and a hat by Gina Foster.
Queen Camilla chose a four-strand pearl necklace that would have to be Her Majesty's favourite piece as she wears it on high rotation.
The pearls are held together by a round diamond clasp, possibly made in the Victorian era due to its design.
Notably, she wore the jewel while in Australia on tour with the King in October.
The Queen's pink outfit is by Fiona Clare, and hat by Philip Treacy, both of whom were granted a Royal Warrant in 2024, in recognition of their years of service to the British royal family.
Clare is one of two main clothing labels worn by the Queen, with most pieces bespoke to Her Majesty's requirements.
Kate's jewels were once owned by the late Queen and Diana, Princess of Wales.
The pearl and diamond necklace, known as the Four Row Japanese Pearl Choker, was made by Garrard from pearls gifted to Elizabeth II by the Japanese government in the 1970s. It features four rows of pearls and a statement diamond clasp.
The necklace was loaned to Diana in 1982 and in 2017, Kate began wearing the jewel.
Kate has worn it numerous times, including for high-profile appearances at the funerals of both the Queen and Prince Philip.
She also wore the Collingwood pearl drop earrings, which belonged to her late mother-in-law and have become one of Kate's most-worn pairs.
For more on the earrings and necklace, click here.
Princess Anne wore a gold brooch with diamonds, and a pair of gold diamond earrings in the shape of flowers.
Both pieces were gifts from Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip when she married Captain Mark Phillips in 1973.
Princess Anne shared a joke with the Dean of Westminster, David Hoyle at the entrance to the abbey.
Prince Richard and Birgitte, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester were among the royals asked to attend the Commonwealth Day service.
The royal family arrived at Westminster Abbey in reverse order of seniority with the King arriving last.
The Princess of Wales curtseyed to the King, while the other royal women did not, likely as they had already greeted the monarch prior to his arrival.
The royal family, lead by the King and Queen, prepare to walk in procession down the nave of the abbey.
In 2020, the service became Prince Harry and Meghan's final engagement as working members of the royal family before they left the UK for a life of financial independence in the US.
Then, the royals did not walk in procession instead choosing to go to their seats separately in a break from tradition.
This year, the royals were in harmony as they entered the historic building.
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