ing Charles has issued a new statement today (October 16) as Queen Camilla attended an important service.

Camilla attended the 2025 National Harvest Service at Westminster Abbey alone on World Food Day today. But just because King Charles, 76, was not there in person, does not mean he didn’t send his best.

The service gave thanks to farmers, recognising their vital contribution to the nation. And King Charles wanted to personally thank everyone involved.
King Charles did not attend (Credit: Tayfun Salci/ZUMA Press/Cover Images)

King Charles issues new statement

Taking to the official royal family Instagram page, King Charles shared his personal statement.

It read: “Today is a most wonderful way to celebrate our Lord’s beauty through this year’s National Harvest Service in the magnificent setting of Westminster Abbey.

“It is a time of year to give thanks to the custodians of our land in a tradition that stretches back centuries, yet remains ever relevant.

“Their labour is the foundation of our food production. The heartbeat of rural communities, and vital to the protection of the natural landscapes we all treasure so dearly.”

King Charles couldn’t attend the service today as he had other royal engagements. Instead, he spent the day celebrating the anniversary of the “Handback” at London’s Australia House.

He had visited Uluru – also known as Ayers Rock – during his and Princess Diana’s royal visit of Australia in 1983.
Queen Camilla attended the service today (Credit: Cover Images)

Queen Camilla attends Westminster Abbey service

However, the National Harvest Service did not go unattended, as Queen Camilla made an appearance.

Every year, since it began, Queen Camilla has sent a message of support to the service. And she first attended as Duchess of Cornwall, back in 2013.

The festival was organised by Love British Food in partnership with food distribution charities including Trussell Trust, The Felix Project, The Coronation Food Project and City Harvest.

In attendance was 2000 representatives from food, farming, food redistribution and food bank sectors.

King Charles’ statement was included in the Order of Service. There were also readings from actor Charles Dance, poet Laureate Simon Armitage and broadcaster Matt Baker.

Queen Camilla met with food distribution charities’ representatives to understand more about their work to tackle food poverty.

She also spoke to the people involved in the service. And in a heartwarming moment, she was given flowers from a pupil from John Perryn Primary School.

During Queen Camilla’s time at the service she viewed a fresh food and floral display outside Westminster Abbey.

Included in the display was a vintage tractor, barrows and carts, food poverty distribution vans and crates of British produce.

The displays are set to be brought from the service to the Abbey Centre, Tachbrook Youth and Social Club, King George’s Hostel and the Mary Smith Pantry.