The Princess of Wales joined husband Prince William as well as King Charles and Queen Camilla for the annual Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey today

The Princess of Wales returned to royal duties alongside King Charles today for a poignant service they both sadly missed last year.

Kate looked eye-catching in a red Catherine Walker coat and a hat by Gina Foster in the same colour as she arrived at Westminster Abbey for the annual Commonwealth Day service with Prince William. They arrived just before King Charles and Queen Camilla and were joined by other royals, including Princess Anne and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, as well as a 2,000-strong congregation.

The King was last year was forced to miss the service, honouring the 56 nations of the Commonwealth, after postponing his public-facing duties for around three months after being diagnosed with cancer. The Princess of Wales also couldn’t attend the service last year, a key event in the royal calendar, after also being diagnosed with cancer

Kate at the Commonwealt Day service at Westminster Abbey today ( 
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The princess wore a red Catherine Walker coat ( 
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But today, they were both among the congregation alongside, with Kate still making a gradual return to public duties after confirming she is in remission.

On arriving for the ceremony, Kate greeted Camilla, in a pink wool crepe and satin coat dress by Fiona Clare and pink beret hat by Philip Treacy, with a curtsy. William also greeted his father the King with a kiss on the cheek before they all sang the national anthem and processed to their seats. Outside was a large vocal protest by the anti-monarchy group Republic who held up “Not my King” and “Down with the Crown” placards from an area across from the abbey.

Celebrities also joined the service, including former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, Olympic cycling legend Sir Chris Hoy and Baroness Floella Benjamin, who were treated to musical performances from musicians, acrobats and singers from the Masai Cultural Arts team.

The royals in the procession at Westminster Abbey today ( 
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Britain’s Got Talent 2015 semi-finalists, violinist Braimah Kanneh-Mason and his sister Jeneba accompanying on piano, performed during the service. They are from a famous musical family which includes their classical music star sibling Sheku Kanneh-Mason, who arranged their performance piece Deep River by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor.

Singer-songwriter Joan Armatrading performed one of her best known songs, Love and Affection, with a full band as the service drew to a close.

Baroness Scotland, secretary-general of the Commonwealth, said the Act of Affirmation which included the words: “United in kinship and common purpose, we cherish the rich tapestry of thought, culture, tradition, and experience which strengthens our bonds.” At the end, the congregation responded: “We affirm our belief in the Commonwealth as a powerful influence for good in the world, and pledge ourselves to its service, now and for the future.”

Kate curtsies for the King ( 
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Getty ImagesThe service, which was also attended by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, comes as the King delivered his annual written message to mark Commonwealth day. He said: “Leaders recently reiterated the importance of collaboration for peace and human rights, as well as for the restoration of nature both on land and in the oceans.

“As we mark Commonwealth Day together, there is no more important task than to restore the disrupted harmony of our entire planet. For the sake of our younger generations’ threatened future, I can only hope that the Commonwealth will continue its vital work to restore that harmony.”

Plans have been announced for celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) and Victory over Japan (VJ) Days. Charles also referenced his in the message by saying: “This year, the world reflects on the eightieth anniversary of the end of World War Two. More than one and-a-half million men and women who served during the War came from across the Commonwealth to support the United Kingdom and its allies.

“On this special anniversary, we remember with particular pride and everlasting gratitude the untold sacrifice and selflessness of so many from around our Family of Nations who gave their lives in that dreadful conflict.”

The Prince and Princess of Wales at Westminster Abbey today ( 
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PAAfter the ceremony, the King will also launch the inaugural King’s Baton Relay at Buckingham Palace, officially starting the countdown to the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Charles and Camilla will also be guests of the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Baroness Scotland, at the annual Commonwealth Day reception on Monday evening and hear a commemorative song by Andrew Lloyd Webber to mark the inaugural Commonwealth Peace Prize.

Commonwealth Day on Monday is also being marked by the release of a playlist Charles has compiled following a collaboration with Apple Music for his King’s Music Room show. Bob Marley, Kylie Minogue, Grace Jones and contemporary artists Davido and Raye are among those who make it into Charles’s top tracks from across the Commonwealth.