King Charles brings Commonwealth stars together at St James’s Palace reception

The occasion served to acknowledge and celebrate the significant contributions that Commonwealth communities have made across the United Kingdom and further afield.

It brought together figures from the worlds of entertainment, the arts, diplomacy and charitable organisations with ties to the 56-nation grouping.

Among the guests were Australian singer, actress and Strictly Come Dancing contestant Delta Goodrem, alongside artist Veronica Ryan and the Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Hon. Shirley Botchwey.

Khan Cordice, a celebrated steelpan musician who also serves as Antigua and Barbuda’s Director of Culture, performed at the reception and had the opportunity to meet the King personally.

Their Majesties and the Duchess of Gloucester mingled with attendees drawn from across the Commonwealth nations, with the gathering designed to recognise the wide-ranging impact of diaspora communities both within Britain and beyond its borders.

High Commissioners and representatives from Commonwealth-linked organisations were present at the gathering, along with supporters of two charities established by the King during his time as Prince of Wales, The King’s Trust International and the British Asian Trust, both of which operate throughout Commonwealth nations.

Charitable bodies backed by the Queen were also represented at the Palace event, with a particular focus on organisations working to advance women’s empowerment and promote literacy, two priorities that align closely with the Commonwealth’s broader agenda around society and young people.

The King assumed the role of Head of the Commonwealth when he acceded to the throne in 2022, leading an organisation whose 56 member states encompass a third of the global population, with over 60 per cent aged 29 or under, a demographic he has described as possessing “extraordinary potential” for the future.

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Since 1966, His Majesty has travelled to 46 of the 56 Commonwealth countries, most recently visiting Canada in May 2025 for the state opening of Parliament.

The Queen has accompanied him on numerous trips, visiting 27 member nations herself.

Wednesday evening’s reception marked the King’s preparations ahead of his eighth CHOGM appearance, having previously attended the summit on seven occasions between 1997 and 2024.