Noisy anti-monarchy protestors have gathered outside Westminster Abbey ahead of the Royal Family’s arrival at today’s Commonwealth Day Service. The King and Queen will be joined by the Prince and Princess of Wales, the Princess Royal and her husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester for the annual service celebrating the Commonwealth.
Dozens of protestors carrying bright yellow placards have begun gathering outside, chanting through a megaphone. The large Republican banners read: not my King, down with the crown, abolish the monarchy and Charles, what are you hiding?
When the Royal Family arrive later on this afternoon, they will not be able to avoid seeing the protestors.
The protestors, who started setting up from 10am, have gathered on United Nations Green, which is situated directly across from the church.
Graham Smith, the CEO of Republic, wrote on X: “Andrew might be out of the news, but the crisis for the royals isn’t going away. William and Charles have questions to answer, like what did they know and when. That’s what I’ll be asking this morning when I join the Republic protest.”
Today’s service comes just weeks after the King’s brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, was arrested on suspicion of misconduct on public office.
The former prince has previously denied any wrongdoing, though he has not commented on the latest allegations. He was released from custody after 11 hours.
As head of the Commonwealth, the King issues an annual message to the 56 member nations which will hold their biennial Commonwealth meeting this year during the first week of November in the capital of Antigua and Barbuda.
Inspired by the meeting’s theme – accelerating partnerships and investment for a prosperous commonwealth – the service will celebrate collaboration as the defining strength of the modern family of nations.
Among the congregation will be Commonwealth high commissioners, young people and leading voices from the creative community.
The service will feature artistic moments, including the world premiere of the Commonwealth Symphony, composed by Rekesh Chauhan, and a bespoke dance collaboration between the Royal Ballet School and Sapnay Entertainments, uniting classical ballet and Bollywood in an expression of cross-cultural partnership.
Other performers include a Scottish ceilidh band, the Melodians Steel Orchestra and further special reflections and readings from guests.
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