King Charles was absent from the annual Commonwealth Day service following the shock news that he had been diagnosed with cancer. The Princess of Wales also did not attend as she recovered from major surgery.

King Charles championed the royal family’s dedication to Commonwealth Day, calling for unity alongside Queen Camilla, Prince William and Kate Middleton at Westminster Abbey after he and Kate missed last year’s service due to their cancer treatments.

King Charles III and Catherine, Princess of Wales have attended the annual Commonwealth Day service, a year after both were forced to cancel because they were receiving cancer treatment. The event at Westminster Abbey on Monday celebrated the Commonwealth's "powerful influence for good in the world".