THE Queen has renewed her promise made 75 years ago “that my life will always be devoted in service” despite pulling out of today’s Commonwealth Service.
Prince Charles today stepped in for the Queen as she rests up at Windsor Castle and watches the event on TV.
The 95-year-old pulled out of today’s Commonwealth Day service after aides ruled it would be too uncomfortable for her to drive 30miles and spend an hour inside Westminster Abbey.
She has been ordered to “pace herself” and there are “no guarantees” that she will attend Prince Philip’s Thanksgiving Service in two weeks.
But in her annual message for the Commonwealth service the Queen wrote of her commitment to carry on serving.
In the event’s programme, she wrote: “In this year of my Platinum Jubilee, it has given me pleasure to renew the promise I made in 1947, that my life will always be devoted in service.
“Today, it is rewarding to observe a modern, vibrant and connected Commonwealth that combines a wealth of history and tradition with the great social, cultural and technological advances of our time.
“That the Commonwealth stands ever taller is a credit to all who have been involved.
“We are nourished and sustained by our relationships and, throughout my life, I have enjoyed the privilege of hearing what the relationships built across the great reach and diversity of the Commonwealth have meant to people and communities.
“Our family of nations continues to be a point of connection, cooperation and friendship.
“It is a place to come together to pursue common goals and the common good, providing everyone with the opportunity to serve and benefit.
“In these testing times, it is my hope that you can draw strength and inspiration from what we share, as we work together towards a healthy, sustainable and prosperous future for all.
“And on this special day for our family – in a year that will include the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting and the Commonwealth Games – I hope we can deepen our resolve to support and serve one another, and endeavour to ensure the Commonwealth remains an influential force for good in our world for many generations to come.”
Her comments reference her radio broadcast made in South Africa on her 21st birthday in April 1947 when she promised a lifetime of service to the commonwealth.
She said at the time: “I declare before you all that my whole life whether it be long or short shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong.”
The Queen is expected to host face-to-face engagements at Windsor Castle this week.
‘GENERATIONS TO COME’
There have been health fears since the Queen started using a walking stick and spent a night in hospital last October – and last month battled Covid.
This is the first time she has missed the Commonwealth bash since pulling out with gastroenteritis in 2013.
The televised ceremony was famously Harry and Meghan’s final engagement before they quit royal duty to live in California, in March 2020.
Kate and Wills joined Charles and Camilla at the service with the Queen”s cousin Princess Alexandra.
The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester cancelled following The Duke’s positive test for Covid.
The Service is the first in-person gathering of the Commonwealth since the start of the pandemic.
It is being held to reflect the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee year.
The Service will include an address by the Lord Bishop Sentamu, former Archbishop of York, a reflection by young Tongan leader Elizabeth Kite and music by Emeli Sandé and Mica Paris.
There is also the world premiere of ‘Beacon of Brightest Light’, inspired by The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, composed by Debbie Wiseman.
Organised by The Royal Commonwealth Society, the Service will be broadcast live on BBC One.
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