King Charles III has said the Commonwealth remains a major force for good in the world and has ”extraordinary potential” which ” is more than equal to the challenges we face.”
In his first address as Head of the Commonwealth, The King spoke of how the organisation inspired and amazed him, saying it offers unparalleled strength to build the future.
His Majesty gave his speech from the pulpit at Westminster Abbey during the Commonwealth Day service which was also attended by Queen Camilla, the Prince and Princess of Wales, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, the Princess Royal and Sir Timothy Laurence.
King Charles had been given a traditional Maori welcome on his arrival at the Abbey. The National Anthem was sung before the royal procession began followed by the flags of all the countries of the Commonwealth.
The King began his speech with a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, saying that ”Commonwealth Day was an occasion of particular pride for my beloved Mother, The late Queen – a treasured opportunity to celebrate our Commonwealth family, to whose service she dedicated her long and remarkable life.”
His Majesty also spoke of his new role as Head of the Commonwealth, adding ‘‘I draw great strength from her example, together with all that I have learnt from the extraordinary people I have met, throughout the Commonwealth, over so many years.”
The main focus of his address were the people living in the 56 countries that now make up the Commonwealth – two have joined in the past year. King Charles III said ”Whether on climate change and biodiversity loss, youth opportunity and education, global health, or economic co-operation, the Commonwealth can play an indispensable role in the most pressing issues of our time. Ours is an association not just of shared values, but of common purpose and joint action.”
And he ended by looking to the future, noting ”the Commonwealth has an incredible opportunity, and responsibility, to create a genuinely durable future – one that offers the kind of prosperity that is in harmony with Nature and that will also secure our unique and only planet for generations to come.”
Commonwealth Day takes place on the second Monday of March every year.
