The Queen's Commonwealth Day Message, 10 March 2014
Published
The understanding that we belong together, and are able, through teamwork, to achieve far more than we could do alone, has always been at the heart of our approach.
In July this year, the opening of the 20th Commonwealth Games will be marked by the arrival in Glasgow of the baton that started its journey from Buckingham Palace five months ago.
Many of us are following closely the news of the baton relay as it passes through the 70 countries and territories whose teams will gather for the Games. The images bring vividly to life what we mean by the Commonwealth family: it is wonderful to see the warmth, shared endeavour and goodwill as the baton is passed through the hands of many thousands of people.
Affinities of history and inheritance from the past are strong, yet we are bound together by a sense that the Commonwealth is a powerful influence of good for the future. People of all ages from different cultures are weaving an ever-growing network of links which connect us in our diversity and our common purpose. It is this unity that is expressed in this year's theme: 'Team Commonwealth'.
While national teams will be concentrating on the competition in August, Team Commonwealth will have a longer focus, working together to achieve a more enduring success.
Experiences of life differ widely throughout the Commonwealth, and we each make contributions from sometimes very different viewpoints. But we are committed to the same goals. Together we offer each other encouragement and draw strength from this mutual support.
The understanding that we belong together, and are able, through teamwork, to achieve far more than we could do alone, has always been at the heart of our approach. For all of us this is now captured in the Commonwealth Charter which sets out the values and principles which guide and motivate us.
This year, more children and young people are participating in Commonwealth Day celebrations. Advances in technology enable us to reach a greater number of young people in schools, on-line using the 'Commonwealth Class' initiative, and through events in local communities where the Commonwealth flag is being raised.
I am delighted that in this, the year of 'Team Commonwealth', we will be working to build a brighter, united future in which every one of us can play a part and share in its rewards.
Related content
A speech by The Queen at the Olympic Heads of Government Reception, 2012
I hope that you will enjoy your time in the United Kingdom, and I am sure that you will find a warm reception awaiting you, your athletes and the visiting spectators.
A speech by The Queen at the International Olympic Committee Reception, 2012
The success of the modern Olympiads owes much to the significant role that you, the Members of the IOC, play in promoting the Olympic spirit across the world.
Message of condolence following recent tragic events in the USA
A speech by The Queen in Burnley, Lancashire, 2012
I look forward to seeing much of the hospitality and the dynamism for which this part of England is rightly renowned.
Message of condolence following the death of the King of Tonga
The Queen's Commonwealth Day Message, 2012
The Commonwealth offers a pathway for this greater understanding and the opportunity to expand upon our shared experiences in a wider world.
The Queen's Commonwealth Day Message, 2011
Let us all give a thought to the practical ways in which we, as individuals or as groups, can provide support to girls and women – so that everyone can have a chance of a...
Message of Condolence following the death of President Kaczynski
The Queen's message following the recent flooding across Britain
The Queen's broadcast to the Armed Forces, 1 July 2009
I greatly hope that the Elizabeth Cross will give further meaning to the nation’s debt of gratitude to the families and loved ones of those who have died in the service of our...
The Queen's Commonwealth Day message, 2009
We can rightly celebrate the fact that the founding members’ vision of the future has become a reality.
A speech by The Queen at The Prince's Trust Headquarters
As The Prince of Wales, our son, approaches his own sixtieth birthday, may I say that we are both enormously proud to have been reminded here today of his personal...
A speech by The Queen at CHOGM, Uganda, 2007
Recognising that each one of us is made up of layer upon layer of identity and that each of our unique personalities has ties to culture, religion, community, country and...
The Queen's message of sympathy to Bangladesh following Cyclone Sidr
A speech by The Queen at the opening of High Speed 1, St Pancras International
The remarkable re-birth of this great and gleaming station means that people across the whole of Britain, not just the south-east, are suddenly quite a bit closer to Europe.
The Queen's message of sympathy to those affected by flooding in the UK
The Queen's message to counties affected by severe flooding in the UK
Message of condolence to Mr Whatumoana Paki, Turangawaewae Maree
A speech by The Queen at the Children's Literature Garden Party
We have been reminded that this magic of our childhoods - the characters, the stories, the imagination of it all - is an enduring and essential part of our culture.
A speech by The Queen at the opening of the new Ascot racecourse
May I wish all of you here today and watching at home a most enjoyable day's racing.
A speech by The Queen at Mansion House for Her Majesty's 80th Birthday
As Groucho Marx once said "Anyone can get old - all you have to do is to live long enough". And there are in my view many other anniversaries this year which are more...
State Banquet in Singapore, 17 March 2006
The links between Britain and Singapore are as strong as ever, and our future relationship is bright indeed.
Australian Prime Minister's Commonwealth Games luncheon, 15 March 2006
Australia has an enviable record at the Commonwealth Games.
A speech by The Queen at the XVIII Commonwealth Games, Australia, 2006
Tonight we celebrate the value of sport as a means of bringing together people from seventy-one nations and territories.
