The Royal family was heckled by anti-monarchy protesters as the King attended his first Commonwealth Day service as a monarch.
As the Royals arrived before the service, dozens of demonstrators held up yellow placards that read, “Not my King,” outside Westminster Abbey.
The King will deliver a speech that deviates from convention to discuss his intention to combat climate change.
At the service this afternoon, which will be carried live on BBC, Charles will be joined by other Royals.
The protestors are members of Republic – an anti-monarchy group that wants the Royal Family abolished – and they have said they will host a number of actions ahead of the King’s Coronation in May.
Speaking for Republic, Graham Smith said today: ‘We are continuing a series of protests against the monarchy in the lead up to the coronation.
‘Charles’s pointless parade will cost £50-100m and yet it is entirely unnecessary.’
King Charles remembers late Queen in Commonwealth celebration speech
‘In light of recent arrests, we’re determined to get the message across that it’s ok to protest against the royals.’
‘Increasingly people are either losing interest in the royals or turning against them. Instead of a pointless, expensive, coronation, we need a serious public debate.’
‘We believe the British public should be asked, do you want Charles or a choice?
‘The tide is starting to turn against the monarchy and we need a serious debate about its future.’
‘Republic will be protesting at the coronation, driving home the message that this is not a national celebration, but promotion of the monarchy at huge cost to the taxpayer.’
King Charles’s Commonwealth Day speech in full
‘Commonwealth Day was an occasion of particular pride for my beloved Mother, The late Queen – a treasured opportunity to celebrate our Commonwealth family, to whose service she dedicated her long and remarkable life.
‘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 Commonwealth has been a constant in my own life, and yet its diversity continues to amaze and inspire me.
‘Its near-boundless potential as a force for good in the world demands our highest ambition; its sheer scale challenges us to unite and be bold.
‘This week marks the tenth anniversary of the Charter of the Commonwealth, which gives expression to our defining values – peace and justice; tolerance, respect and solidarity; care for our environment, and for the most vulnerable among us.
‘These are not simply ideals. In each lies an imperative to act, and to make a practical difference in the lives of the 2.6 billion people who call the Commonwealth home.
‘Whether on climate change and biodiversity loss, youth opportunity and education, global health, or economic co-operation, the Commonwealth can play an indispensable role in the most pressing issues of our time. Ours is an association not just of shared values, but of common purpose and joint action.
‘In this we are blessed with the ingenuity and imagination of a third of the world’s population, including one and a half billion people under the age of thirty. Our shared humanity contains an immensely precious diversity of thought, culture, tradition and experience. By listening to each other, we will find so many of the solutions that we seek.
‘This extraordinary potential, which we hold in common, is more than equal to the challenges we face. It offers us unparalleled strength not merely to face the future, but to build it.
‘Here, the Commonwealth has an incredible opportunity, and responsibility, to create a genuinely durable future – one that offers the kind of prosperity that is in harmony with Nature and that will also secure our unique and only planet for generations to come.
‘The myriad connections between our nations have sustained and enriched us for more than seven decades. Our commitment to peace, progress and opportunity will sustain us for many more.
‘Let ours be a Commonwealth that not only stands together, but strives together, in restless and practical pursuit of the global common good.’
‘The time for change is here.’
Commonwealth Day is celebrated on the second Monday in March each year, with observances, speeches, exhibitions and cultural events across the 56 Commonwealth member countries.
The Prince and Princess of Wales were greeted by the Dean of Westminster Dr
David Hoyle when they arrived at the great west door of the ancient Westminster
Abbey.
The King and Queen Consort watched as members of the Ngati Ranana London Maori Club performed a traditional welcome for the monarch and his wife outside the great west door.
Charles and Camilla were greeted inside by the Dean of Westminster and exchanged welcomes with other members of the royal family before processing through the nave to their seats.
The King will be crowned at Westminster Abbey on May 6 and in his bidding, the Dean of Westminster, Dr David Hoyle, referenced the coronation ceremony as the Commonwealth Day service began.
He said: ‘We will pray too for our King as we look to the day when we will gather here again in loyalty and affection.
‘As people of faith, hope, and compassion, we shall pray for the peoples of Turkey, Syria, and Ukraine, and all for whom the last year has brought great suffering and loss.’
The Queen Consort was wearing the late Queen Elizabeth II’s sapphire chrysanthemum brooch.
The sparkling diamond and sapphire piece set in platinum was worn by Princess Elizabeth for the official photos taken on her honeymoon with the late Duke of Edinburgh at Broadlands in Hampshire in 1947.
The late Queen was also pictured wearing the jewellery when she and Philip marked 73 years of marriage in 2020 – their final wedding anniversary together before the duke died in 2021.
Camilla was wearing a sapphire blue wool crepe dress and coat by Fiona Clare, and a matching feather beret by Philip Treacy.
As she stepped from her car outside Westminster Abbey, she was forced to hold onto her hat to prevent it from blowing away in the strong winds.
Also taking part in the royal procession was Prince Edward – who was given the title of Duke of Edinburgh on his 59th birthday last week. Along with his wife Sophie, now the Duchess of Edinburgh.
King Charles’s attendance at the service also marks a break with royal tradition, as the sovereign is to deliver a speech during the ceremony.
In previous years the Queen had her statement published on the order of the service and broadcast in its audio version.
The King left personal mark today and read his message from the abbey’s Great Pulpit.
His much-anticipated speech is likely going to touch on climate change, the support for free and democratic societies and peace and prosperity around the Commonwealth and the world.
In another innovation, the King will host the Commonwealth Day reception at Buckingham Palace rather than Marlborough House, as has happened in the past
The theme of today’s Commonwealth Day is ‘forging a sustainable and peaceful common future’.