The BBC is facing criticism after choosing not to broadcast the annual Commonwealth Day service live for the first time in decades, a decision some royal watchers have labelled to be a major snub to King Charles. The service, held each year at Westminster Abbey, has traditionally been televised by BBC since the late 1980s. However, the broadcaster opted not to air the event live this year, instead showing an episode of the popular daytime programme Escape to the Country.

The move sparked a wave of backlash from royal fans and commentators, many of whom questioned why such a significant royal and Commonwealth event was dropped from the schedule. The BBC said the decision was made due to “funding challenges.”

Despite the absence of a live broadcast, the service itself went ahead as planned at Westminster Abbey, attended by senior members of the Royal Family.

Alongside King Charles and Queen Camilla, those present included Prince William, Catherine, Princess of Wales, Anne, Princess Royal and her husband Tim Laurence.

The BBC said in a statement: “Our decision not to broadcast the Commonwealth Day ceremony in the same way we’ve done in previous years reflects the difficult choices we have to make in light of our funding challenges.

“BBC News plans to cover the service across its platforms, including the BBC One bulletins and rolling news channel.”

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The annual service celebrates the 56 member countries of the Commonwealth, most of which were formerly part of the British Empire. King Charles serves as the symbolic head of the Commonwealth and is the monarch of 15 of its member states, known as the Commonwealth realms.

It was the biggest royal gathering since Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor‘s arrest. Outside Westminster Abbey, anti-monarchy campaigners from the group Republic held a protest. Protesters carried placards reading “What did you know?”, referring to Andrew’s links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. There were also people holding “Not My King” and “Abolish the Monarchy” banners.

Over 1,800 guests attended the event including senior politicians and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.

In his Commonwealth Day Message, Charles said: “We join together on this Commonwealth Day at a time of great challenge and great possibility.

“Across our world, communities and nations face the increasing pressures of conflict, climate change and rapid transformation. Yet it is often in such testing moments that the enduring spirit of the Commonwealth is most clearly revealed.

“Working together, we can ensure that the Commonwealth continues to stand as a force for good – grounded in community, committed to the kind of restorative sustainability that has a return on investment, enriched by culture, steadfast in its care for our planet, and united in friendship and in the service of its people.”