King Charles III urged nations to “unite and be bold” to achieve his “almost limitless potential” as a force for good during his first Commonwealth Day address as monarch on Monday.
Charles appeared in good spirits to send a strong message to his people amid growing republican sentiment and questions about the future of the Commonwealth.
The 74-year-old, in his speech, said the diversity of the 56 member states continues to “amaze and inspire him”.
The monarch said: “Whether it’s climate change and biodiversity loss, opportunities and education for young people, global health or economic cooperation, the Commonwealth can play an indispensable role in the most pressing issues of our time. Our common humanity contains such a precious diversity of thought, culture, tradition and experience. By listening to one another, we will find so many of the solutions we seek.”
He added: “This extraordinary potential, which we have in common, is more than equal to the challenges we face. It offers us unparalleled strength not only to face the future, but to build it.”
The monarch, whose theme was “forging a shared, sustainable and peaceful future”, said the Commonwealth had an “incredible opportunity and responsibility” to create a future in harmony with nature and preserve the planet for future generations.
He added: “The Commonwealth has been a constant in my own life, yet its diversity continues to amaze and inspire me. Its near limitless potential as a force for good in the world demands our utmost ambition; its magnitude challenges us to unite and be bold.
In his historic speech, the new king also paid special tribute to the late queen, telling the congregation that the service was “a special occasion of pride” for his beloved mother, from whom he drew strength.
The Commonwealth Secretary General, the Prime Minister of Samoa, high commissioners, senior politicians and dignitaries from across the UK and Commonwealth were among the guests of honor at the congregation of 2,000.