But today, the corporation has opted to air Escapt to the Country instead. In response to the fierce backlash, the BBC said in a statement: “Our decision not to broadcast the Commonwealth Day ceremony in the same way we’ve done in previous years reflects the difficult choices we have to make in light of our funding challenges.
“BBC News plans to cover the service across its platforms, including the BBC One bulletins and rolling news channel.”
The King and Queen will be joined by the Prince and Princess of Wales, the Princess Royal and her husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, as well as the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, for today’s service.
In a written message for the service, Charles will call for the “enduring spirit of the Commonwealth” during “testing moments”, as conflicts continue to rage across the world.
The King says: “We join together on this Commonwealth Day at a time of great challenge and great possibility. Across our world, communities and nations face the increasing pressures of conflict, climate change and rapid transformation. Yet it is often in such testing moments that the enduring spirit of the Commonwealth is most clearly revealed.”
It comes just two weeks after tensions in the Middle East escalated into armed conflict, with missile and drone strikes continuing across Iran and the Gulf. Meanwhile, Ukraine continues to defend against Russia’s full-scale invasion, and the bloody civil war continues in Sudan.
As head of the Commonwealth, Charles issues an annual message to the 56 member nations, which will hold their biennial meeting this year during the first week of November in the capital of Antigua and Barbuda.
Inspired by the meeting’s theme – accelerating partnerships and investment for a prosperous Commonwealth – the service will celebrate collaboration as the defining strength of the modern family of nations.
Among the congregation will be Commonwealth high commissioners, young people and leading voices from the creative community.
The service will feature landmark artistic moments, including the world premiere of the Commonwealth Symphony, composed by Rekesh Chauhan, and a bespoke dance collaboration between the Royal Ballet School and Sapnay Entertainments, uniting classical ballet and Bollywood in a powerful expression of cross-cultural partnership.
Other performers include a Scottish ceilidh band, the Melodians Steel Orchestra and special reflections and readings from guests.