SOLIHULL schoolchildren were in the congregation for the Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey.
The children were among 2,000 people which was attended by King Charles, Camilla, the Queen Consort, and senior members of the Royal Family.
The 70-children chosen from the Summit Learning Trust, which includes Lyndon School, Ninestiles School and Cockshut Hill School were among High Commissioners, senior political figures from the UK and the Commonwealth, faith leaders, and some of the home nations athletes who competed at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham in the Abbey.
The annual service, organised by the Royal Commonwealth Society, is held to celebrate the Commonwealth of Nations, and provides an opportunity to focus attention on this voluntary association of 56 countries and their commitment to promoting democracy, human rights, the rule of law and equality for its 2.5 billion citizens.
It marked the beginning of a week-long series of events and activities happening around the globe – including faith and civic gatherings, debates, school assemblies, flag-raising ceremonies, and cultural events.
The learners had the opportunity to listen to King Charles’ Commonwealth Day Message from the Great Pulpit of the Abbey.
Vince Green, chief executive officer from Summit Learning Trust, said: “This is the second year that children and young people from our Trust family have been privileged to attend this very special event to celebrate the cultures and people from our Commonwealth countries.
“To do so alongside our King, Queen Consort and other members of our Royal Family was an amazing cultural experience for them all.”
