Queen beams in yellow outfit as she joins Royals for Commonwealth Day service and offers message of peace
THE QUEEN looked radiant in a statement yellow coat with silver buttons as she attended the Commonwealth Day service on Monday afternoon.
The monarch used her address to highlight how respect and understanding for one another are the cornerstones of peace during her annual message to the Commonwealth.
Speaking to the family of nation’s 2.4billion citizens, the Queen promoted the year’s theme: “A peace-building Commonwealth.”
With instability found across the globe, this year’s theme reaffirms the Commonwealth’s charter principle, that "international peace and security, sustainable economic growth and development and the rule of law are essential to the progress and prosperity of all".
The Queen delivered her message as part of the annual Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey.
The event took place on Monday afternoon, and was attended by Her Maj, along with the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince of Wales, Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Harry, Duke of York and the Earl of Wessex.
In the message, printed in the event's order of service, the Queen writes: "The cornerstones on which peace is founded are, quite simply, respect and understanding for one another.
“Working together, we build peace by defending the dignity of every individual and community.
"By upholding justice and the rule of law, and by striving for societies that are fair and offer opportunities for all, we overcome division and find reconciliation, so that the benefits of progress and prosperity may be multiplied and shared.
"As members of the Commonwealth family, we can find much to be thankful for in the inheritances we have received from those who came before us.
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“Through consensus and co-operation, great things have been achieved."
The Queen’s words were echoed by Commonwealth Secretary-General Baroness Scotland in her own speech, which was read at flag-raising ceremonies across the Commonwealth.
Her message read: "By linking governments and institutions - both public and private - and bringing together in a spirit of goodwill people of all ages and from all walks of life, Commonwealth gatherings and networks lay foundations of respect and understanding that enable lasting peace to be built."
During this year’s service, former Olympic heptathlon champion Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill processed the Queen’s Baton for the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, with the help of both Australian and UK athletes including double Olympic gold medal cyclist Victoria Pendleton.
The baton was launched on a global relay from Buckingham Palace by the Queen on Monday morning.
Later on in the day, Joseph Muscat, the prime minister of Malta and chair-in-office of the Commonwealth, shared a reflection in the Abbey.
The day’s events included performances from Aussie heartthrob Cody Simpson, as well as Maltese poet and writer Immanuel Mifsud.
Guests included Baroness Scotland, alongside high commissioners, ambassadors and dignitaries, senior politicians from across the UK and Commonwealth, faith leaders and 800 school children.
Over 2,000 were in attendance.
Commonwealth Day began with the Band of the Coldstream Guards and the Commonwealth Youth Choir debuting a piece of music composed to mark the 65th anniversary of the Queen's accession to the throne.
The stellar performance took place during a flag raising ceremony at Horse Guards Parade to kick off worldwide celebrations.
Later on in the evening, Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, attended a reception at Marlborough House, the home of the Commonwealth's civil service, as guests of the Secretary-General.
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