A speech by HRH The Duchess of Cornwall to launch the Commonwealth Essay Competition 2019, Ghana

Ladies and Gentlemen, we just have a taste of how brilliant these young writers are. As the proud Vice-Patron of the Royal Commonwealth Society, I’m delighted to be here today, on my first visit to your beautiful country, to launch The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition for 2019.

 

I can now reveal that this year’s subject is: A Connected Commonwealth – a fascinating topic and one which, I hope, will get your brains whirring…

 

Last year, about twelve thousand young writers sent in their stories, poems and essays – nearly one thousand were from West Africa.  So it’s a huge pleasure to see some of those winners amongst us today. 

 

We all very much hope is that a record number of young people from all the 53 Commonwealth countries will be inspired to put pen to paper and enter next year’s competition.  As a passionate believer in the power of the written word I look forward, with huge anticipation, to reading the winning entries and presenting the awards at Buckingham Palace next year.

 

Best of Ghanaian luck to you all.