King Charles gives video address in Commonwealth Day first as controversy swirls around royal pic
A beleaguered King Charles has delivered his annual Commonwealth Day address thanking people for being “wonderfully kind,” as another royal debacle unfolds.
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King Charles III has pledged to the Commonwealth to “continue to serve you, to the best of my ability” as he continues his treatment for cancer.
In a video message recorded at Windsor Castle, the 75-year-old monarch looked weary as he thanked people for their “wonderfully kind and thoughtful good wishes” over his cancer diagnosis.
“In recent weeks, I have been most deeply touched by your wonderfully kind and thoughtful good wishes for my health and, in return, can only continue to serve you, to the best of my ability, throughout the Commonwealth.”
In a royal first the king recorded the address that was played to the congregation in Westminster Abbey, which included Queen Camilla, Prince William, but no Princess Catherine, who was at a medical appointment following a furore over an edited photo she released on Mother’s Day.
Referring to the origins of the Commonwealth countries that once formed the British Empire, the king went on: “The 75th anniversary of the Commonwealth is a moment to reflect on the remarkable journey our unique family of free and independent nations has made since 1949.
“Last year, the Bahamas celebrated its 50th anniversary of Independence, as Grenada has this year, and Papua New Guinea will next year.
“Each of these milestones – and many others like them – represent the fulfilment of countless aspirations and the achievement of such remarkable potential.
“The Commonwealth’s growth, with new members continuing to join our family of nations, demonstrates clearly that whilst we may not all have a shared history, we have common ambitions for a better future – working together to build resilience and respond to global challenges.”
Charles, who followed in his late mother’s footsteps as head of the ‘family of nations’, was unable to attend this year’s celebration marking the 75th anniversary of the Commonwealth due to his cancer diagnosis and ongoing treatment.
In his absence the family was led by his wife the Queen, accompanied by the Prince of Wales, and an extended roster of royals including the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, the Princess Royal, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and the Duke of Kent.
The King’s video was filmed last month at Windsor Castle, one of the places where His Majesty has been recuperating.
CHARLES’ TOUCHING MOTHER’S DAY TRIBUTE TO QUEEN ELIZABETH
King Charles III has paid a touching tribute to his mother, the late Queen, for Mother’s Day.
His Majesty, 75, shared a captivating black and white photo of him kissing the Queen’s hand at a polo match in 1985.
Along with the chivalric snap, he wrote: “Wishing all Mothers, and those who are missing their Mums today, a peaceful Mothering Sunday.”
Queen Elizabeth II passed away at the age of 96 years old on September 8, 2022.
Wishing all Mothers, and those who are missing their Mums today, a peaceful Mothering Sunday. 🌸 pic.twitter.com/0HYLWclasC
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) March 10, 2024
Charles, who is the eldest son, succeeded his mother and his Coronation was held on May 6 last year.
Queen Elizabeth II passed away on September 8, 2022 at Balmoral Castle, her private Scottish residence, 16 months after losing her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, aged 99. Elizabeth’s death certificate gave her cause of death as “old age”.
On that day, Charles said: “The death of my beloved Mother, Her Majesty The Queen, is a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family,” he said. “We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished Sovereign and a much-loved Mother.”
The touching Mother’s Day tribute comes after King Charles stepped away from frontline duties while he undergoes cancer treatment.
The disease was spotted as the King underwent a planned operation for an enlarged prostate.
Buckingham Palace has not confirmed the type of cancer, but it is understood not to be the prostate.
Meanwhile, Princess Catherine spent two weeks at Marylebone’s London Clinic after undergoing a “planned major abdominal surgery” before being discharged on January 29.
Kensington Palace announced she would step back from all official duties while she recovered in the Wales family’s Windsor home, and last week stated she was “doing well” but advised she is unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter.
To acknowledge Mother’s Day, the Princess of Wales released a special family portrait.
KING CHARLES GIVES PRINCE EDWARD NEW ROLE
It comes as King Charles returned to work after Queen Camilla took time off after stepping up to fulfil her husband’s public duties.
As the Royal Family deals with its health and media woes, Prince Edward has stepped up to a new role, appointed by King Charles.
The King appointed Edward to the Order of the Thistle, Scotland’s highest honour.
New images were released to mark his 60th birthday on March 10.
In the new portraits Edward is seen wearing a red jumper underneath an olive buttoned waistcoat and army green trousers.
He is smiling with his three dogs, Labrador Teal, cocker spaniel Mole and Labrador puppy Teasel.
King Charles made Edward the Duke of Edinburgh to mark his 59th birthday.
Queen Elizabeth II also granted Edward the additional title of Earl of Forfar to mark his 55th birthday.
Edward, who is the youngest child of the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, and the younger brother of King Charles, is a full-time senior working royal.
In June he will celebrate his 25th wedding anniversary to wife Sophie, with whom he shares two children Louise and James.
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