The King received a traditional New Zealand Maori Hongi greeting of touching noses as he arrived at Westminster Abbey today
King Charles III today paid tribute to his mother Queen Elizabeth II on the first Commonwealth Day of his reign.
The new Head of the Commonwealth addressed dignitaries at a gathering at Westminster Abbey in London to celebrate the organisation so beloved of his late mother.
The King highlighted the 56 Commonwealth countries had a combined population of 2.6 billion, about a third of the world's total.
Its collective efforts could advance its defining values, he said, "peace and justice; tolerance, respect and solidarity; care for our environment and for the most vulnerable among us".
The King addressed about 2,000 guests from the UK and elsewhere in the Commonwealth, including Camilla, the Queen Consort; the Prince of Wales; Catherine, Princess of Wales; politicians; faith leaders; and athletes who had competed in the Commonwealth Games.
The service put a strong emphasis on diversity, with a version of a Bob Marley song, readings from Muslim, Sikh and Jewish representatives, as well as Christian denominations, and performers from Rwanda literally dancing in the aisles.
Last edited: