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The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have joined the Queen for a Westminster Abbey service to mark Commonwealth Day.

The royals and senior figures from national life are marking the 70th anniversary of the modern Commonwealth.

The theme of this year's event is A Connected Commonwealth, with member countries being urged to protect natural resources and the environment.

In her message, the Queen will say the Commonwealth vision "inspires us to find ways of protecting our planet".

The multicultural, multi-faith event at Westminster Abbey, will see performances and readings from representatives from throughout the Commonwealth.

The Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall and the Duke of York are also attending the service.

The Prime Minister Theresa May is in the 2,000-strong congregation, as well as Commonwealth Secretary-General Baroness Scotland, high commissioners, ambassadors, faith leaders, plus more than 800 schoolchildren and young people.

Earlier Prince Harry and Meghan kicked off the celebrations at an earlier event at Canada House, to showcase Canadian talent in the UK.

The couple were welcomed to the embassy by Canada's High Commissioner to the UK, Janice Charette.

Ms Charette said: "We kind of claim them a little bit as Canadians... One of their first outings as a couple was actually at the Invictus Games in Toronto, so we like to think of them as having come home here to Canada House."

The royal couple visited Commonwealth countries for their first oversees tour last year.

Since 1977, Commonwealth day has been celebrated annually on the second Monday in March.

The 53 Commonwealth countries in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and Americas, the Pacific and Europe, will mark the day with a range of activities, such as faith and civic gatherings, school assemblies, flag raising ceremonies, street parties and cultural events.

In her Commonwealth message the Queen was due to say the Commonwealth vision "offers hope, and inspires us to find ways of protecting our planet, and our people.

"We are able to look to the future with greater confidence and optimism as a result of the links that we share, and thanks to the networks of co-operation and mutual support to which we contribute, and on which we draw.

"With enduring commitment through times of great change, successive generations have demonstrated that whilst the goodwill for which the Commonwealth is renowned may be intangible, its impact is very real."

Charles and Camilla will be guests of the Commonwealth Secretary-General at the annual evening reception, which traditionally takes place on Commonwealth Day at Marlborough House.