Mystery over lesser-known royals attendance at Commonwealth Day Service
The European royal has previously spoken of his friendship with King Charles.
Prince Albert of Monaco made a surprise appearance in London on Monday in support of King Charles. The 67-year-old, who is nine years younger than the King, was spotted arriving at Westminster Abbey in London to attend this year's Commonwealth Day service.
The royal's presence at the service appeared to take fans by surprise, with many questioning on social media why he chose to attend. Taking to X, one fan commented: "Genuinely asking, why was Prince Albert of Monaco at the Commonwealth celebration today?" Another added: "Interesting, not a member of the Commonwealth but showing support."
A third person asked: "Why is Albert of Monaco there?" Another user wrote: "Prince Albert of Monaco is also attending today's Commonwealth Service in the U.K. It's not entirely clear why, as Monaco is not a Commonwealth country."
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It is thought that he was in attendance to show his support of his friend, the King. The pair are said to have had a friendship spanning many years, with Prince Albert having previously spoken out about the British monarch.
He previously revealed that they would often be paired up at royal events as the "two single royal guys".
Previously speaking to PEOPLE, he said: "There was a time for several years when we would always be paired up at, I don't really want to call them royal events, but at occasions like weddings, funerals, christenings, among other royal families.
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"If there was a procession to march in and out of, say, a hall or cathedral, or when people needed to be announced, we would always be paired together because we were 'the two single royal guys'."
Stepping out in supprt of the King and Queen, the Prince and Princess of Wales made an appearance shortly before the monarch arrived on Monday.
Princess Anne was also in attendance alongside her husband, Sir Timothy Laurence. The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester also joined the senior working royals.
