As the Royal Family gathered in Westminster Abbey on March 10 for the annual Commonwealth Day, a lipreader has decoded what King Charles said to his eldest son, Prince William, upon arrival. The Prince of Wales greeted his father with kisses on his cheeks before cameras saw them exchanging a few words. According to lip reader Jeremy Freeman, the King had a message for his eldest son. Upon arrival, he said in a four-word message: “Good to see you.”
The service saw King Charles and Kate, the Princess of Wales, make a return appearance to the event after missing last year’s due to their cancer diagnoses, which saw them miss out on many events in 2024.Also present for the service in strong support were Queen Camilla, Princess Anne, and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester. Kate, looked stunning in a striking red Catherine Walker coat and striking hat, whereas William looked smart in a navy suit with a dark berry tie.
William and Kate both looked joyful and were seen chatting at the service as they arrived laughing together as they took their seats before the start of the service.
Body language expert, Judi James, told the Mirror it showed a “transition” from their recent outings. She said: “Since Kate’s illness, they have been extra tactile and totally connected during their public appearances, using every opportunity to use touches, glances or mimed hugs to move together coupled up like ice skaters or ballroom dancers.
“But here they performed the equivalent of ‘free’ movement, putting in their professional appearance in a more traditionally regal way but moving while apart in synchronised, mirrored unity as they did so.”
She added that the royal couple had showcased a more “relaxed approach” alongside keeping “in sync”. She added: “They walked in together but slightly apart with signs of renewed energy and positivity. William’s beaming smile projected ongoing pride in his wife but he avoided all the steering pats and touches that can imply she has some need of support and encouragement.”
Ms James also revealed William appeared to have a “bashful crush” on Kate, given a “playful smile” at the event.
The Commonwealth Day Service marked Kate’s 10th public appearance of the year, having conducted five solo engagements and four joint visits with her husband in the first two months of the year. Last year, she totalled just 13 engagements due to her health scares, having first undergone major abdominal surgery and then receiving a cancer diagnosis.
However, two notable royals that were absent were Duchess Sophie and Prince Edward, the latter who celebrated his 61st birthday on March 10.
The Commonwealth Day service is an important date in the royal calendar and a rare occasion when senior royals are seen together. King Charles and Queen Camilla joined a total of 2,000 guests from all over the Commonwealth to hear music and poetry.
Performers from across the Commonwealth took part in the service, which also featured hymns and prayers in support of the institution and its leaders. The service focused on the theme of ‘Together We Thrive’.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, his deputy Angela Rayner, Foreign Secretary David Lammy and former Spice Girl Geri Horner were all in attendance.