I've been to a few of these, as well as the reception that follows at Marlborough House, and they really are spectacular events. Watching on as the abbey fills with the bustling energy, tradition and distinctive dress of various cultures, and the powerful feeling of a shared passion and hope for the future is quite overwhelming. The focus is on opportunity and youth, with musical performances and readings reflecting that.
The day was "treasured" by the late Queen Elizabeth II. The Commonwealth was very much a legacy project that she nurtured and 2024 marks the organisation's 75th anniversary.
Generally, the service is also a great opportunity to see senior royals side by side. This year, Queen Camilla led the celebrations, accompanied by Prince William, Princess Anne, and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh.
And while we didn't see the Princess of Wales, who is still recovering from abdominal surgery, we did get a glimpse of the King. Not in person, but delivering his message in a pre-recorded address played in the abbey and broadcast live on the BBC.
This appearance was part of a regular flow of videos and photos of the King that are trickling through at a drumbeat pace from Buckingham Palace. The message is clear: While Charles' ongoing cancer treatment may be preventing him from publicfacing duties, he is still working (and reading and enjoying thousands of get-well cards), and wants the public to see him well and positive.
What's more, plans for Charles and Camilla's tour to Australia (and probably Aotearoa) are definitely in progress, with Aussie PM Anthony Albanese announcing his request for states and territories to put in their pitches for a potential October visit.
Esta historia es de la edición April 2024 de Australian Women’s Weekly NZ.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición April 2024 de Australian Women’s Weekly NZ.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Spotlight on Vitamin D
Sunlight is the best source of vitamin D, but safe sun exposure is still essential.
Coming up roses
Driven by a renewed interest in the flower’s power, a rose renaissance is dawning.
'I was given a 5% chance of survival'
When Caroline Laner Breure was hit by a car in an horrific accident on a Spanish holiday with her boyfriend, her body and her dreams were shattered. Somehow she found the will to go on living.
Time to celebrate our mothers
Author Kathy Lette gives a heartfelt thank you to her magnificent mum, Val - a baker of fairy cakes with the patience of a saint.
"I am lucky to be here" ”
Since the day she walked onto the MasterChef Australia set back in 2009, Julie Goodwin has openly shared her life. But in writing a memoir, she had to examine the demons she'd battled privately... until now.
JAMIE OLIVER at your service
Returning to the set of MasterChef Australia to help steer a path through grief and spread happiness, the celebrity chef is also at a turning point - he opens up about failure, love, second chances and his endless reservoir of joie de vivre.
From one mum to another
Princess Catherine's public announcement struck a chord with mum-of-two Jane Gillard. She shares her story of parenting through cancer- and offers hope for the princess and mums navigating their own health journey while raising primary-aged kids.
The courage of Princess Catherine "You are„, not alone"
It was a rare personal address that she shouldn’t have had to make. But with conspiracy theories swirling and the slimmed-down “Firm” under fire, Princess Catherine silenced critics with searing courage and dignity.
THE MAN WHO WASN'T THERE
When Tracy Hall fell for Max Tavita, she fell for a mirage. Max was a false identity created by a con man, and Tracy was the latest in a long line of women whose life savings hed stolen.
Amother's GIFT
In December last year, Australia’s first uterus transplant recipient, Kirsty Bryant, gave birth to Henry, a happy, healthy baby boy. The uterus that had made this little miracle possible had been donated by her mother, Michelle. Five months later, their first Mother’s Day since Henry’s birth feels especially precious.