King Charles meets with Yvette Cooper at royal residence during reception

Lewis Henderson

By Lewis Henderson


Published: 10/03/2026

- 16:58

The monarch smiled and laughed with the Foreign Secretary

King Charles met with Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper at St James's Palace for a reception with Caribbean ministers.

Ms Cooper, who became the Foreign Secretary in September 2025 after her previous role as Home Secretary, has been pictured in conversation with the monarch.


The Labour MP for Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley took over from David Lammy, who was made Justice Secretary by Sir Keir Starmer.

Ms Cooper joined the Prime Minister at Westminster Abbey yesterday for the annual Commonwealth Day service of Celebration.

King Charles, Yvette CooperThe King met with the Foreign Secretary at St James's Palace | GETTY

Charles and Queen Camilla were joined by the Prince and Princess of Wales at the abbey alongside the Princess Royal and her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, as well as the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.

A congregation of 1,800 people gathered at the event to mark Commonwealth Day 2026.

The service, organised by the Royal Commonwealth Society, brought together Government officials, young people and prominent figures from the creative industries to celebrate the 56-nation organisation.

This year's theme was inspired by the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2026, which focused on accelerating partnerships and investments for a prosperous Commonwealth.

King Charles, Yvette Cooper

The Foreign Secretary was seen smiling and laughing with the monarch

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The service aimed to showcase collaboration as the fundamental strength of the modern Commonwealth, bringing together diverse voices united in shared purpose.

The Royal Commonwealth Society, which delivers the annual celebration, works to connect political and diplomatic representatives with civil society, business leaders and young people across member nations.

Founded in 1868, the organisation operates independently of governments and focuses on youth empowerment, education and advocacy to improve prospects for Commonwealth citizens worldwide.

The service featured several significant artistic moments, including the world premiere of the Commonwealth Symphony by composer Rekesh Chauhan.

Yvette Cooper

Ms Cooper joined Sir Keir Starmer at Westminster Abbey yesterday

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A unique dance performance brought together students from the Royal Ballet School and Sapnay Entertainments Ltd, merging classical ballet with Bollywood to celebrate cross-cultural collaboration.

Royal Commonwealth Society Ambassador Geri Halliwell-Horner delivered an address, while dancer Oti Mabuse offered a reflection during the ceremony.

Selina Tusitala Marsh, the first Commonwealth Poet Laureate, presented a poem for the occasion.

Musical performances featured a Scottish Ceilidh band and the Melodians Steel Drum Orchestra, along with additional readings from distinguished guests.

King Charles

King Charles spoke on how precious the union of the Commonwealth is during his message

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The Commonwealth comprises 56 independent nations bound by shared values outlined in the Commonwealth Charter, including commitments to democracy, human rights, rule of law and equality for its 2.7 billion citizens.

His Majesty serves as Head of the Commonwealth, a role he has actively supported for more than four decades.

During that time, the King has travelled to 48 Commonwealth countries, returning to many on multiple occasions.

Last year, Their Majesties undertook a visit to Canada, where they formally opened the 45th Parliament.