Royal family unites for the first time since Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's arrest, attending Commonwealth Day service

The royal family has come together for the first time since the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor last month.

King Charles lead the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey and was joined by Queen Camilla, the Prince and Princess of Wales and the Princess Royal for what has become one of the most important events on the royal calendar.

But the so-called Andrew-problem followed the royals to the service as protesters gathered outside shouted 'What did you know?' as the King and his family arrived for the ceremony.

The former prince was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office on February 19 amid accusations he shared confidential documents with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein during his time as a UK trade envoy.

Andrew, 66, was released under investigation and denies any wrongdoing.

He remains eighth in line to the throne but recently the UK government said it was considering introducing legislation to revoke Andrew's succession rights.

For that to happen, the 14 Commonwealth realms – of which the King is head of state – would be called upon to give their agreement.

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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has already said Australia would support the push to remove Andrew from the line of succession with New Zealand and Canada following suit.

The King and his family showed no signs of the turmoil within its ranks as they attended the service on Monday.

They were also joined by Princess Anne's husband Sir Tim Laurence, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, and Prince Albert of Monaco alongside a congregation of 1,800 people to represent the 56 nations of the Commonwealth.

In his written message marking Commonwealth Day, published in the order of service, the King said: "We join together on this Commonwealth Day at a time of great challenge and great possibility.

"Across our world, communities and nations face the increasing pressures of conflict, climate change and rapid transformation.

"Yet it is often in such testing moments that the enduring spirit of the Commonwealth is most clearly revealed."

Commonwealth Day been held at Westminster Abbey since 1972 and was one of the key events on the late Queen Elizabeth II's calendar.

This year's marks the fourth time it has been held during King Charles' reign.

But in 2024, the monarch did not attend and nor did the Princess of Wales as both were receiving cancer treatment.

This year, Catherine chose a blue outfit by Catherine Walker and the late Queen's pearl and diamond earrings. She accessorised with a five-strand pearl necklace by Susan Caplan.

The princess was seen curtseying to the King and Queen when they arrived at the abbey, meaning it was the first time Catherine had seen Charles and Camilla that day according to royal protocol.

Queen Camilla was dressed in a red dress and coat by Fiona Clare with a matching hat by Philip Treacy and the Queen Mother's palm leaf brooch. Her diamond and ruby earrings are believed to have belonged to Elizabeth II.

Former Spice Girl Geri Horner, who is a Commonwealth ambassador, gave an address during the ceremony.

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