King gives Commonwealth speech of tolerance and respect
The service put a strong emphasis on diversity, with a version of a Bob Marley song, readings from Muslim, Sikh and Jewish representatives, as well as Christian denominations, and performers from Rwanda literally dancing in the aisles.
But the King's new era as Commonwealth head is likely to see challenges, including over issues such as colonialism, the legacy of slavery and human rights within member countries. Outside the Westminster Abbey service, Peter Tatchell held a protest criticising the lack of rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in many Commonwealth countries, while anti-monarchy campaigners also demonstrated as the Royal Family arrived.
In a speech to Commonwealth leaders in Rwanda last year, King Charles spoke of the importance of acknowledging the past and his "personal sorrow" at the suffering caused by the slave trade. It was up to individual states to decide whether to remain monarchies or became republics, he added.The King's symbolic first state visits will be to build relationships with France and Germany, with the European destinations decided by the government.
But his message at the Commonwealth Day service argued for the strength of bringing together different cultures within the Commonwealth, saying: "By listening to each other, we will find so many of the solutions that we seek."
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