To that new conception of an equal partnership of nations and races I shall give myself heart and soul every day of my life.” It is an entirely new conception, built on the highest qualities of the spirit of man: friendship, loyalty and the desire for freedom and peace. In 1953 Her Majesty defined our family of nations as one which “bears no resemblance to the empires of the past. In 1947, before she ascended to the throne, she stated that “My whole life, whether it be long or short, will be devoted in service.” The growth and vibrancy of our modern Commonwealth is a credit to her and testament to her dedication, wisdom and leadership. That the Commonwealth stands ever taller is a credit to all who have been involved.” In Her Majesty’s final Commonwealth Day message, she described our family of nations as “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. Her devotion to duty was only matched by her skill as Head of the Commonwealth of Nations, always a generous host and consummate diplomat. Between 19, she missed only one Heads of Government Meeting. During her reign she travelled more than any monarch in history, visiting every part of our family of nations. Her Majesty loved the Commonwealth, and the Commonwealth loved her. Throughout her reign, and seven decades of extraordinary change and challenge, Her Majesty was the epitome of duty, stability, wisdom and grace. Her Majesty was an extraordinary person, who lived an extraordinary life: a constant presence and example for each of us, guiding and serving us all for as long as any of us can remember.

After a long life of faith, duty and service, a great light has gone out.

It is with the greatest sorrow and sadness that we mourn the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Download reign her majesty