Why King Charles will miss Commonwealth Day service

Commonwealth Day, which falls on the second Monday of March, is an annual celebration of the Commonwealth of Nations, a voluntary association of 54 countries that share historical ties, values, and goals. The day is marked by various events and activities, such as speeches, parades, and cultural performances, to highlight the diversity, unity, and cooperation of the Commonwealth.

One of the most prominent and symbolic events is the Commonwealth Day service, which is held at Westminster Abbey in London, and (ususally) attended by the British monarch, who is also the head of the Commonwealth, and other members of the royal family.

The Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Prime Minister, the High Commissioners, and other dignitaries and guests also take part.

However, this year, the Commonwealth Day service, which is scheduled for March 10, 2024, will be missing one of its most important and expected attendees: King Charles, who ascended to the throne in 2021, after the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II.

The reason for his absence is his ongoing cancer treatment, which was announced in January 2024, and which has forced him to step back from his public duties.

The king, who is 75 years old, has not disclosed the type or stage of his cancer, but he has said that he is optimistic and determined to fight the disease and that he is keeping up with his official state duties, such as meeting with the finance minister and delivering a video message to mark Commonwealth Day.

The king’s absence from the Commonwealth Day service will be a significant and noticeable one, and it will be the first time in 69 years that a British head of state will not attend the service. Queen Elizabeth II attended every service since her accession in 1952, except for 1956 when she was on a tour of the Commonwealth.

Charles’ absence will also be a disappointment and a concern for many people, especially the Commonwealth citizens, who regard the king as a symbol of their shared heritage and identity, and who look up to him for his leadership and guidance.

It will, however, not mean the absence of the royal presence or the royal support for the Commonwealth. The king’s wife, Queen Camilla, will take his place and head the group of senior royals who will attend the service, which will include Prince William, the heir to the throne, but not his wife, Kate Middleton, who has also been absent from public life since January 2024, after undergoing abdominal surgery.

The queen will also deliver a speech at the service, in which she will express the king’s and her admiration and appreciation for the Commonwealth, and their hope and vision for its future. The queen will also host a reception after the service, where she will meet and greet the representatives and the participants of the Commonwealth.

The king’s absence from the Commonwealth Day service will also not mean the absence of the Commonwealth spirit or the Commonwealth celebration. The service will still feature the usual elements, such as the Commonwealth flag, the Commonwealth anthem, the readings and prayers from various faiths and languages, and the performances from various cultures and talents.

The service will also highlight the theme of the Commonwealth Day 2024, which is “Commonwealth of Opportunity”, and which aims to showcase the potential and the achievements of the Commonwealth, especially in the areas of education, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

The service will also acknowledge the challenges and the opportunities that the Commonwealth faces in the post-pandemic world, and the need for solidarity and collaboration among its members.