STARSTRUCK York youngsters came face to face with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at Westminster Abbey.

Pupils from Archbishop Holgate’s school travelled to London on Monday, March 12, to join 700 young people from across the UK at celebrations to mark Commonwealth Day.

The students were among a small group invited to meet members of the royal family after the service, with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry and fiancee Meghan Markle spending time talking to the groups of schoolchildren.

One pupil, Olivia Stevens, said: “The highlight of my day was shaking hands with Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle. It was amazing being able to speak to them in person.”

The event is the largest annual multi-faith service in the UK and was attended by Her Majesty the Queen, senior members of the royal family and the Prime Minister, as well as other Commonwealth heads of state and specially invited guests.

Archbishop Holgate’s lay chaplain Richard Nihill said: “The students and I were very excited about being given this wonderful opportunity.

“We had an amazing day in London, meeting people from across the Commonwealth and seeing members of the royal family at this unique event.”

Prior to the service, the group was also given a private tour of Westminster Abbey.

The ceremony celebrates the unity and diversity of the modern Commonwealth and aims to foster a greater understanding of its role and achievements.

This year’s theme, Towards a Common Future, explored

how the Commonwealth can address global challenges and work to create a better future for all citizens.

Attendees were treated to performances from Ghanaian drum collective One-Drum, Ngati Ranana London Maori club, Portsmouth gospel choir and former One Direction singer Liam Payne.

Archbishop Holgate’s head boy James Cain said: “The service was a wonderful mix of cultures and performances.

“My personal favourite was the London Maori club, whose vocal rendition of The Call for Welcome was very impressive.”