Queen's message of respect and peace on Commonwealth Day

The Queen has highlighted how respect and understanding for one another are the cornerstones of peace in her annual message to the Commonwealth.

Flags of the Commonwealth in Parliament Square in London, ahead of the Commonwealth Service in Westminster Abbey. Picture: Rex/Shutterstock

On Commonwealth Day, the Queen has used her address to the family of nation’s 2.4 billion citizens to promote this year’s theme - “a peace-building Commonwealth”.

With instability found across the globe, the Commonwealth’s theme reaffirms its 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’s message will form part of the annual Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey being held today and attended by the monarch, 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. Through consensus and co-operation, great things have been achieved.”

The monarch’s words have been echoed by Commonwealth Secretary-General Baroness Scotland in her Commonwealth Day message read at flag-raising ceremonies around the Commonwealth.

She said: “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 the service, former Olympic heptathlon champion Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill will process the Queen’s Baton for the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, escorted by Australian and UK athletes including double Olympic gold medal cyclist Victoria Pendleton.

The baton will be launched on a global relay from Buckingham Palace by the Queen.