The former pop star delivered a speech within Westminster Abbey

Geri Halliwell-Horner greeted King Charles in characteristic fashion at today’s Commonwealth Day service, planting a kiss on the monarch’s cheek following her address at Westminster Abbey.

The moment recalled the iconic encounter nearly three decades ago when the former Spice Girl left a red lipstick mark on Charles’s face during a Prince’s Trust gathering in 1997.

Since that memorable meeting, the singer has maintained the tradition of kissing the King whenever their paths cross.

Following the service, Ms Halliwell-Horner also embraced Queen Camilla with a kiss and hug when the royal couple greeted performers.

Geri Halliwell-Horner recreated her iconic 1997 kiss with King Charles at Westminster Abbey

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The former pop star, who serves as an ambassador for both the Royal Commonwealth Society and the King’s Trust, delivered what organisers termed a “reflection” during the annual celebration.

In her address, Ms Halliwell-Horner championed the cause of women’s education, noting that International Women’s Day had fallen just one day before Commonwealth Day celebrations.

“As a young girl, it was creativity and education that gave me courage and confidence,” she told the 1,800-strong congregation. “Words allowed me to imagine a bigger world. Stories gave me courage and courage changes everything.”

She argued that educating girls represents an investment in future leadership and stability rather than simply a bureaucratic exercise.

“When a woman succeeds, communities thrive. When communities thrive, nations grow stronger,” she declared.

She characterised the Commonwealth as “a family of equals, different, yes, but connected by shared values and a shared responsibility,” emphasising that unity represents strength rather than weakness.

Geri Halliwell-Horner praised women in her speech during Commonwealth Day

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The service drew a distinguished gathering including Queen Camilla, the Prince and Princess of Wales, and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, alongside senior government figures.

Among the notable attendees were outgoing BBC director general Tim Davie, broadcaster Gyles Brandreth, and children’s author Dame Jacqueline Wilson.

Prince Albert of Monaco was also present, as was singer-songwriter Joan Armatrading, who had performed at the previous year’s ceremony.

Ms Halliwell-Horner’s husband Christian Horner, the former Red Bull Formula One team principal, attended to support his wife.

Former Strictly Come Dancing judge Oti Mabuse delivered her own reflection, reinforcing similar themes about Commonwealth unity.

“At its best the Commonwealth is a collaboration of people,” Mabuse said, urging attendees to consider whether they were “opening doors wide enough for the next generation to walk through.”

Outside Westminster Abbey, demonstrators from several organisations staged protests during the service.

Supporters of the anti-monarchy group Republic held placards reading “What did you know?” in reference to the Jeffrey Epstein scandal that brought about the downfall of the King’s brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.

King Charles also delivered a speech to the 1,800 in attendance

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Approximately 50 activists from the Peter Tatchell Foundation and allied organisations also assembled to draw attention to the criminalisation of same-sex relationships, which remains in force across nearly 30 Commonwealth nations.

The ceremony marked a departure from tradition as the BBC opted not to broadcast the event for the first time in decades.

A corporation spokesperson explained the decision “reflects the difficult choices we have to make in light of our funding challenges.”