Royal Wedding Evening Reception

I may be stepping aside, but in Colonel Catherine you have a committed, focussed, and already incredibly loyal 11th Colonel.

You underpin the very foundations upon which our country is built

Such acts of incomprehensible brutality, wherever they occur, are a barbaric assault on our shared humanity and our values of understanding and compassion.

I have long admired the strength and resourcefulness of New Zealanders, and I send my thoughts and prayers to all those who are supporting response and recovery efforts

Such acts of incomprehensible brutality, wherever they occur, are a barbaric assault on our shared humanity.

Our thoughts, prayers and heartfelt sympathy are with all those who have been affected by this appalling tragedy.

Our thoughts and special prayers are with everyone who has been affected by this appalling natural disaster

You should all be proud of the resilience, strength and care for your communities you are showing in the face of adversity.

As you mark your well-deserved status as one of England’s newest cities, I can only offer my heartfelt congratulations and my very best wishes for the future.

Human beings have always needed the connection of literature – its wisdom as well as its sheer escapism. In today’s challenging climate, we need it more than ever.

I can only hope the outpouring of solidarity from across the globe may bring not only practical aid, but also strength from the knowledge that, together, we stand united.

I am both honoured and delighted to be standing here in front of you today as your new Colonel.