King Charles III asks for unity

King Charles delivered his first Commonwealth Day address as head of the monarch at Westminster Abbey.

Many protestors attended the speech holding signs with slogans such as “Not My King” as Charles urged the commonwealth countries “strive together” for the “global common good.”

Other Royals in attendance included Queen Consort, the Prince and Princess of Wales, the new Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, the Princess Royal and the Commonwealth Secretary-General Baroness Scotland.

Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, several commonwealth countries including Antigua and Barbuda, Belize and The Bahamas have hinted that they could hold referendums on whether the monarch should still remain head of state.

Charles said he believes the monarch still plays an “indispensable role in the most pressing issues of our time”, including on climate change, education and economy.

Charles also paid tribute to his “beloved mother” whom he said had dedicated her “long and remarkable life” to the “Commonwealth family”, which is made up of 56 independent countries.

In his speech, Charles said “Whether on climate change and biodiversity loss, youth opportunity and education, global health or economic cooperation, the Commonwealth can play an indispensable role in the most pressing issues of our time.”

“Ours is an association not just of shared values, but of common purpose and joint action.”

“In this we are blessed with the ingenuity and imagination of a third of the world’s population, including one and a half billion people under the age of 30.

“Our shared humanity contains an immensely precious diversity of thought, culture, tradition and experience. By listening to each other, we will find so many of the solutions that we seek.”

Charles then made a plea for unity: “The myriad connections between our nations have sustained and enriched us for more than seven decades. Our commitment to peace, progress and opportunity will sustain us for many more.

“Let ours be a Commonwealth that not only stands together, but strives together, in restless and practical pursuit of the global common good.”

Charles’ coronation will take place on May 6^th at Westminster Abbey.