Britain’s Queen Elizabeth has praised member nations as a "powerful influence of good" in her Commonwealth Day message.
The 87-year-old monarch’s pre-recorded message – which will form part of the annual Observance of Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey this afternoon (10.03.14) – stresses the importance of the Commonwealth nations working together to achieve common goals.
She said: "Affinities of history and inheritance from the past are strong, yet we are bound together by a sense that the Commonwealth is a powerful influence of good for the future.
"People of all ages from different cultures are weaving an ever-growing network of links which connect us in our diversity and our common purpose. It is this unity that is expressed in this year’s theme: Team Commonwealth."
The queen – who is the head of the Commonwealth – also spoke about the Commonwealth Games, which will be held in Glasgow this summer, but continued to stress the importance of the member nations supporting each other.
She added: "Experiences of life differ widely throughout the Commonwealth, and we each make contributions from sometimes very different viewpoints.
"But we are committed to the same goals. Together we offer each other encouragement and draw strength from this mutual support."
During the service at Westminster Abbey, celebrations will include music and readings and an address by schoolgirl campaigner Malala Yousafzaj followed by a performance from BRIT Award nominee Laura Mvula.
The queen will unfurl a banner as part of the Fly A Flag For The Commonwealth initiative, where hundreds of flags will be flown across the United Kingdom today (10.03.14).
Britain’s Queen Elizabeth praises Commonwealth nations
