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

We meet in a remarkably open and transparent chamber, where this Parliament sits in the round in European fashion.

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.

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

We both look forward with optimism as partners working closely together for a stronger more effective Europe.

Links between Britain and Toulouse have existed over many centuries.

Democracy is the most precious gift we have and we can never take it for granted.

Vive la difference, mais vive L'Entente Cordiale.

Separation at this time is especially hard to bear.

Nigeria has much to be proud of.

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

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.

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

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

Wherever the future may take us, my admiration and affection for Canada and Canadians everywhere is - and will always remain - clear, strong and sure.

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

Je chéris ma place dans la vie du Canada et mon lien avec tous les Canadiens et Canadiennes.

I am proud to be the first member of the Canadian Royal Family to be greeted in Canada's newest territory.

It is my pleasure in this my Golden Jubilee Year to declare the 17th Commonwealth Games open.

I am glad to be in Merseyside, which must be one of the most distinctive and energetic parts of the United Kingdom.

Your new building, which is so clearly based on ideas of openness and accessibility, will provide an exciting forum for Londoners as your debates ebb and flow.

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

The mountains and valleys are as beautiful as ever, but it is in rural life that some of the greatest transformation has taken place.

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

I would like to pay tribute to the work you do in this, the Mother of Parliaments.

It is our very diversity which makes the Commonwealth strong.

We have both been struck by both the diversity as well as the dynamism of Australia, and the vigour and humour of Australians everywhere.

Whatever may lie ahead, I declare again here tonight that my admiration, affection and regard for the people of Australia will remain, as it has been over these past fifty...

New Zealand is working to improve and strengthen all the various relationships between Maori and the Crown.

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

The Commonwealth remains one of the strongest pillars for the building of world-wide peace, growth and development.

For Christmas marks a moment to pause, to reflect and believe in the possibilities of rebirth and renewal.

By any measure this Millennium year has been an unforgettable one.

This December we are looking back not just on one year, but on a hundred years and a thousand years.

Though we each lead different lives, the experience of growing older, and the joys and emotions which it brings, are familiar to us all.

I remember my own childhood Christmases here, with my father and mother, and a great family gathering, and now I delight in seeing my children and grandchildren enjoying the...

But I cannot think of any Christmas of my reign when the message of the angels has been more apt.

To see British and Russian veterans standing together, in memory of the sacrifices of their comrades-in-arms, was a moving experience.

We have indeed become a global village.

I first came here for Christmas as a grandchild. Nowadays, my grandchildren come here for the same family festival.

I am constantly amazed by the generosity of donors and subscribers, great and small, who give so willingly and often towards the enjoyment of others.

I hope that all of us lucky enough to be able to enjoy such gatherings this Christmas will take time to count our blessings.

Unlike all the other planets in the solar system, earth shimmers green and blue in the sunlight and looks a very pleasant place to live.

May the Christmas story encourage you, for it is a message of hope every year, not for a few, but for all.