Commonwealth diversity praised
BRITAIN: The Queen has vowed to continue to grow the Commonwealth in ‘‘scope and stature’’ as she prepares to pass on its care to the next generation.
It comes as Meghan Markle makes her first official appearance with the monarch ahead of her wedding to Prince Harry in May.
She will join other senior members of the Royal family to watch the Queen delivering her Commonwealth Day message in a service at Westminster Abbey on Monday (local time). The service will be a public acknowledgement by the monarch of the former actress.
In her message to the 53 Commonwealth nations, the Queen praises the ‘‘Commonwealth connection’’ that allows people from different nations to bond and celebrate ‘‘diversity’’.
‘‘Through exchanging ideas, and seeing life from other perspectives, we grow in understanding and work more collaboratively towards a common future,’’ she says. ‘‘There is a very special value in the insights we gain through the Commonwealth connection; shared inheritances help us overcome difference so that diversity is a cause for celebration rather than division.
‘‘We shall see this in action at the Commonwealth heads of government meeting which takes place in the United Kingdom next month, bringing together young people, business and civil society from across the Commonwealth. These gatherings are themselves fine examples of how consensus and commitment can help to create a future that is fairer, more secure, more prosperous and sustainable.’’
The Commonwealth has played an important role throughout the monarch’s reign. The Prince and Markle signalled their commitment to the Commonwealth and its people when they mentioned the institution, which has the Queen as its head, during an interview to mark their engagement and said they looked forward to meeting some of the 2.4 billion people from the member states.
The Queen also highlighted the vital work of the Commonwealth Games’ helpers: ‘‘Voluntary effort, by people working as individuals, in groups or through larger associations, is so often what shapes the Commonwealth and all our communities. By pledging to serve the common good in new ways, we can ensure that the Commonwealth continues to grow in scope and stature, to have an even greater impact on people’s lives, today, and for future generations.’’
Liam Payne, former One Direction member, will perform during the service and the reflection will be given by Dr Andrew Bastawrous, an eye surgeon who has turned a smartphone into an examination tool to combat avoidable blindness in developing counties.
The Duke of Cambridge faced criticism last year when he missed the service to attend a controversial lads-only skiing holiday in Verbier.
Organised by the Royal Commonwealth Society, the service is the largest annual inter-faith gathering in the UK. - Sunday Telegraph