Queen calls for unity in Commonwealth Day message ahead of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s last royal appearance
THE Queen today called for unity in her Commonwealth Day message ahead of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's last royal appearance.
The 93-year-old monarch praised the "blend of traditions" that made up the Commonwealth - calling on the special community to be "inspired by all that we share".
In her annual message, Her Majesty highlighted how global connectivity makes people aware how their "choices and actions" can affect the "well-being of people and communities living far away" - and inspires many to be more careful with natural resources.
She said: "I hope that the people and countries of the Commonwealth will be inspired by all that we share, and move forward with fresh resolve to enhance the Commonwealth’s influence for good in our world."
The Queen's words will be printed in the order of service accompanying the Commonwealth Day service on Monday at Westminster Abbey, attended by the Queen and senior members of the royal family, Boris Johnson and a 2,000-strong congregation.
But the event is likely to be overshadowed by the appearance of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex attending their last official event as working members of the monarchy, before they begin their new life as financially independent royals on March 31.
QUEEN'S MESSAGE IN FULL
On Commonwealth occasions, it is always inspiring to be reminded of the diversity of the people and countries that make up our worldwide family.
We are made aware of the many associations and influences that combine through Commonwealth connection, helping us to imagine and deliver a common future.
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.
Throughout my life, I have had the opportunity to see and hear how membership of the Commonwealth family means so much to those living in all parts of the world, often in places that are quite remote.
Advances in technology and modern media have now enabled many more people to witness and enjoy - with remarkable immediacy - this experience of Commonwealth connection, in areas such as education, medicine and conservation.
Looking to the future, this connectivity means we are also aware, perhaps as never before, that wherever we live, our choices and actions affect the well-being of people and communities living far away, and in very different circumstances.
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 new ways of working together to achieve prosperity, whilst protecting our planet.
As members of this very special community, on this Commonwealth Day, I hope that the people and countries of the Commonwealth will be inspired by all that we share, and move forward with fresh resolve to enhance the Commonwealth’s influence for good in our world.
The couple are currently carrying out a string of final engagements, tonight expected to attend the Mountbatten Festival of Music at Royal Albert Hall.
And they appeared in good spirits at their first event together, with Meghan, 38, saying it was "good to be back".
In between his final engagements, Harry sat down with the Queen in a four hour heart-to-heart where she told him he would always be welcome back.
But the Queen has reportedly been left "heartbroken" she won't have a relationship with baby Archie.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle returned to the UK this week but after understood to have left their son back in North America.
Archie, now 10-months-old, has been living in Canada since Harry and Meghan's decision to step back as senior working members of the royal family and live a “financially dependent life”.
The baby boy is seventh-in-line to the throne, but has not spent any “meaningful” time with his grandparents or cousins, according to the royal insider.
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And insiders said Prince Harry was feeling “emotional” as he approached his final round of royal engagements.
At his first engagement back in the UK, the duke insisted “just call me Harry” as he appeared at an eco-tourism conference in Scotland.
Part of the Megxit deal means Harry and Meghan won’t be using the term Royal, meaning they will have to rename their SussexRoyal website and Instagram account.
