Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II and other royals attended a Commonwealth Day service on Monday (09.03.15).
The 88-year-old monarch was joined by her husband Prince Philip, as well as Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and his wife, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, as well as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, William and Catherine, for the afternoon memorial service, which was held at Westminster Abbey in central London.
The event – which takes place on the second Monday of March each year – is the largest annual multi-faith ceremony in the UK, and celebrates the Commonwealth nations, encouraging collaboration between member states.
During the service, the Queen praised member states, saying the 53 Commonwealth nations are "guardians of a precious flame" and reminded them of the importance of working together.
She said: "When common goals fall apart, so does the exchange of ideas. And if people no longer trust or understand each other, the talking will soon stop too".
Other members of the royal family in attendance took time to talk to dignitaries and representatives of Commonwealth nations, many of whom congratulated Prince William’s 33-year-old wife on her pregnancy.
The Duchess of Cambridge – who is eight-months pregnant with her second child – wowed the crowds in a pastel pink Alexander McQueen outfit which she last wore in 2013 while pregnant with Prince George, which she paired with a matching Jane Taylor hat.
British royals attend Commonwealth Day service
