Queen urges better use of planet’s resources

The queen has issued an impassioned plea on the environment, urging people to use the planet’s natural resources “with greater care”.

In a message delivered ahead of Commonwealth Day today, the 93-year-old monarch noted that advances in technology and modern media only served to emphasise the Commonwealth connection.

She said it was inspiring to be reminded of the “associations and influences” that combined through the 53 nations, helping to “imagine and deliver a common future”.

She said such connections provided a greater understanding of the impact of the choices that people made.

“This connectivity means we are also aware, perhaps as never before, that wherever we live, our choices and actions affect the wellbeing of people and communities living far away, and in very different circumstances,” she said.

“For many, this awareness awakens a desire to employ our planet’s natural resources with greater care, and it is encouraging to see how the countries of the Commonwealth continue to devise ways of working together to achieve prosperity, while protecting our planet.”

The queen spoke about the collective strength that can be derived from a broad network of countries.

“This is particularly striking when we see people from nations, large and small, gathering for the Commonwealth Games, for meetings of Commonwealth governments, and on Commonwealth Day.

“Such a blend of traditions serves to make us stronger, individually and collectively, by providing the ingredients needed for social, political and economic resilience.”

The queen will be joined by the Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall, and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will also be present.