A royal opening

The Queen has formally opened what is likely to be her last Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), and could be the last headed by a royal.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern took her place among 51 of the 53 member states, at the poignant opening ceremony at Buckingham Palace. British Prime Minister Theresa May delivered a statement that honoured Queen Elizabeth II’s dedication to the Commonwealth during her 66-year reign.

The Queen, 91, no longer travels as much and it’s only because this year’s summit is being held in London that she was able to attend.

‘‘I want to offer my heartfelt thanks to Your Majesty, head of the Commonwealth,’’ May said.

‘‘Over many years you have been the Commonwealth’s most steadfast and fervent champion. You have been true to the deepest values of the Commonwealth – that the voice of the smallest member country is worth precisely as much as that of the largest. ‘‘ Following the ceremony, all the leaders were ushered to the palace ballroom for a ‘‘family photo’’.

Culture and colour were on full display, as the Commonwealth spans a host of Pacific, Caribbean and African countries. Many leaders wore the traditional dress of their home countries.

The Queen has led the Commonwealth since she took the throne in February 1952. Her son, the Prince of Wales, Prince Charles took his seat beside her at the front of the photo, and gave the formal welcome address to open CHOGM.