A speech by The Queen at the Sandringham Women's Institute, 2009

Inevitably, a long life can pass by many milestones; my own is no exception. But I thank you all, and the many others at home and overseas, for your touching messages of great...

In the century since the first W.I. groups were formed in North Wales and in Sussex, so much has changed for women in our society.

I am delighted to join you in this inauguration and to celebrate the close working relationships that have made it possible.

My grandfather, father, husband and two sons have all undergone training here, and I have had many visits over the years.

By discharging this academic mission, you play a vital role in supporting this country's position on the world stage.

I know that the renewal of this famous and much-cherished landmark has been a long-held aspiration.

Your contribution to peace and stability within Northern Ireland has been unique.

Success at Trafalgar was by no means a foregone conclusion.

The Bank was granted its Royal Charter 278 years ago and even a prudent bank needs to build a new headquarters once in a while.

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.

It was the unique quality of his leadership that so inspired the British nation and free peoples throughout the world.

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

The Isle of Wight is well known for its hospitality, and the warmth of your welcome today is greatly appreciated.

It is vital to the health both of the United Kingdom and of Wales that our democratic institutions flourish and adapt.

We see in this new Parliament, even after four short years, clear signs of a legislature that is distinctly Scottish.

Over this Jubilee summer I have travelled widely, but I hope I will be forgiven for having limited my tour to the earth's surface.

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.

Ipswich, Norwich, and Cambridge have all become centres of excellence in their different ways.

The character of Yorkshire's people is distinctive and unchanging: trenchant, determined, and welcoming.

I have no doubt that you will use this building to inspire the next generation who will shape the technology and industry of tomorrow.

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.

I have been profoundly moved by the affection shown and by the warmth of the response to my Golden Jubilee.

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

Your newspapers are an intrinsic part of the communities they serve, they give us a very special insight into what is going on around the country.