The first Commonwealth tribute to The Queen

“The Commonwealth loved her,” reads the Commonwealth’s tribute to the late Elizabeth II.

The late Queen, who passed away at Balmoral on September 8th 2022 at the age of 96, nurtured and fostered the Commonwealth of Nations throughout her 70-year reign. That organisation was one of the first to pay tribute to Her late Majesty.

In a statement shared on its official website, the Right Honourable Patricia Scotland, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth remembered Elizabeth II as “an extraordinary person, who lived an extraordinary life: a constant presence and example for each of us, guiding and serving us all for as long as any of us can remember.”

Of her work with the Commonwealth, she wrote: “Her Majesty loved the Commonwealth, and the Commonwealth loved her. During her reign she travelled more than any monarch in history, visiting every part of our family of nations. Between 1971 and 2018, she missed only one Heads of Government Meeting. Her devotion to duty was only matched by her skill as Head of the Commonwealth of Nations, always a generous host and consummate diplomat.”

The “growth and vibrancy of our modern Commonwealth is a credit to her and testament to her dedication, wisdom and leadership,” the Rt Hon Scotland wrote.

On a personal note, the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth wrote that “[o]ur interactions were a delight, and it was wonderful to see her passion and animation whenever discussing anything relating to the Commonwealth. Her long years of interaction and partnership with generations of world leaders and their people, particularly the young, gave her extraordinary insight, which brought ever-more life and meaning to her service. 

“I will miss her greatly, the Commonwealth will miss her greatly, and the world will miss her greatly. We will never see her like again.”

The Rt Hon Scotland’s message ended: “Hers was a life of service which will echo through the ages. We will be forever grateful.”

The Commonwealth’s full message can be read here.