At a time when there is so much attention around the Royal Family, this was going to be a significant day.
The first time we’ve seen the King and Queen, alongside the Prince and Princess of Wales and other members of the family, since Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested.
You wonder whether they could hear the protesters over the noise of the steel drum band outside Westminster Abbey.
Anti-monarchy protesters demonstrated outside the abbey. Pic: AP
But even if they couldn’t they would have seen from their cars the yellow banners from anti-monarchy group Republic.
Their protest appeared no larger in size than last year, but their enormous yellow banner with the words “What did you know?” was designed to get maximum attention.
It was also a day when more low-resolution photos were uncovered in the Epstein files of a man who appears to bear a resemblance to Andrew.
Appearing in any photos in the files does not indicate any wrongdoing and Andrew has always denied any claims against him.
New photos appearing to show Andrew have been released
As representatives from across the Commonwealth gathered, it was a reminder the Andrew issue has a wider global impact, mainly around his place in the line of succession.
However, it’s unlikely to have been a topic of public discussion between the royals and delegations from the other 14 realms where King Charles is also monarch.
Pic: Reuters
Princess Anne spoke to performers at the end of the service. Pic: Reuters
All those realms must agree to support Andrew’s removal as eighth in line to the throne through legislation before it can happen.
Australia, New Zealand and Canada have so far backed any move in that direction.
But this was a day where the King’s priority was on promoting a positive image – of the Commonwealth as a force for good, and emphasising his commitment to this body of nations as its formal head.
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As he said in his statement when his brother was arrested, the wider family will just keep on with their public duties.
We again saw that in full focus, albeit with all of them mindful that the world continues to watch the latest developments from the Epstein scandal, over which the Royal Family has no control.
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