Commonwealth Day was an occasion of particular pride for my beloved mother the late Queen, a treasured opportunity to celebrate our Commonwealth family to who serve as she dedicated her long and remarkable life.
In succeeding Her Majesty as head of the Commonwealth, I draw great strength from her example.
Together with all that I have learned from the extraordinary people I have met throughout the Commonwealth over so many years.
The Commonwealth has been a constant in my own life and yet its diversity continues to amaze and inspire me.
It's near boundless potential as a force for good in the world, demands our highest ambition.
It sheers scale, challenges us to unite and be bold.
This week marks the 10th anniversary of the charter of the Commonwealth which gives expression to our defining values: peace and justice, tolerance, respect and solidarity, care for our environment and for the most vulnerable among us.
These are not simply ideals in each lies an imperative to act and to make a practical difference in the lives of the 2.6 billion people who call the Commonwealth home.
Whether on climate change and biodiversity loss, youth opportunity and education, global health or economic cooperation, the Commonwealth can play an indispensable role in the most pressing issues of our time.
Ours is an association not just of shared values, but of common purpose and joint action.