Message to members of the Armed Forces serving in the Gulf

Published 20 March 2003

At this difficult moment in our nation's history, I would like to express my pride in you, the British service and civilian personnel deployed in the Gulf and in the vital supporting roles in this country and further afield.

I have every confidence in your professionalism and commitment as you face the challenges before you. Especially for those of you now waiting to go into action, may your mission be swift and decisive, your courage steady and true, and your conduct in the highest traditions of your service both in waging war and bringing peace.

My thoughts are with you all, and with your families and friends who wait at home for news and pray for your safe return.

ELIZABETH R.

Related content

Royal London Hospital, following terrorist bombs in London, 8 July 2005

Atrocities such as these simply reinforce our sense of community, our humanity, and our trust in the rule of law. That is the clear message from us all.

08 July 2005
Press release 07 July 2005

Message following bomb blasts in London

Read more

Marking 60th anniversary of the end of World War II in Guernsey, 9 May 2005

Prince Philip and I are happy to be in Guernsey on this sixtieth anniversary of liberation and to have joined in the Service of Thanksgiving

09 May 2005

Visit to Jersey to mark the 60th anniversary of Liberation, 9 May 2005

I am pleased that so many people are present today for whom the 9th of May has such a personal significance.

09 May 2005

State Banquet, President of the Republic of Korea, 1 December 2004

I was struck by the spirit of the Korean people, and their determination to overcome adversity

01 December 2004

A speech by The Queen at the opening of a memorial fountain to the late Diana, Princess of Wales

You have given the Park, at the very heart of our capital city that Diana knew so well, a highly original memorial which captures something of the essence of a remarkable...

06 July 2004

60th anniversary D-Day commemoration in Arromanches, 6 June 2004

I take it upon myself to express the immense debt of gratitude we owe to you all. I salute you, and thank you on behalf of our whole nation.

06 June 2004

Official commemoration of the 60th anniversary of D-Day in France, 6 June 2004

The sixtieth anniversary of the Normandy Landings is a moment for thanksgiving, and a moment of commemoration.

06 June 2004
Press release 26 May 2004

Official ceremonies to commemorate D-Day

Read more

State Banquet, President of the United States of America, 19 November 2003

We share the confidence - and the courage - to try and make this a more prosperous, a safer, and above all a freer world.

19 November 2003

Opening of the new Australian War Memorial, London, 11 November 2003

Twice within the span of a single generation, Australia and Britain stood side by side in two of the bloodiest wars in human history.

11 November 2003

Opening of the exhibition 'Women and War', Imperial War Museum, 14 October 2003

Over the two World Wars and in the many conflicts since then, women in Britain and throughout the Commonwealth have faced and overcome all manner of challenges.

14 October 2003

Presentation of new colours to the Fleet in Plymouth, 23 July 2003

I hope this Colour will be a symbol of the Fleet's enduring spirit and devotion to duty in times of stress and danger

23 July 2003

Presentation of new standards to the Household Cavalry, 21 May 2003

We as a nation are intensely proud of our armed forces and never more so than in recent weeks.

21 May 2003

Ceremony for the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada, 10 October 2002

I am happy to be in Hamilton today in order to present new Colours and to visit my Canadian Argylls.

10 October 2002
Press release 10 September 2002

Message to a memorial service in St. Thomas Church, New York

Read more

Tri-Service gathering of the Armed Forces at Portsmouth, 27 June 2002

Britain is grateful to you, whether here in Portsmouth, in bases across the United Kingdom, or across the world.

27 June 2002
Press release 26 June 2002

Special Jubilee message to the Armed Services

Read more

Visit to Stormont, Northern Ireland, 14 May 2002

This Assembly can demonstrate that it is possible to build trust, and in doing so continue the building of a new Northern Ireland.

14 May 2002

The death of Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother, 8 April 2002

I thank you for the support you are giving me and my family as we come to terms with her death and the void she has left in our midst.

08 April 2002
Press release 30 March 2002

Death of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother

Read more

State dinner in Wellington, New Zealand, 25 February 2002

It is both a privilege and a pleasure to have served as Queen of New Zealand for these fifty years.

25 February 2002
Press release 09 February 2002

Death of Princess Margaret

Read more