By Elishya Perera
(LONDON)_In her annual Commonwealth Day message, Queen Elizabeth II, focused on a message of unity, describing how the Coronavirus pandemic had created a “deeper appreciation” of the need to connect to others.
She stressed the importance of keeping in touch with loved ones to “transcend boundaries or division”, and helping any sense of distance to disappear.
Several senior members of the royal family, including the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and the Countess of Wessex, joined the monarch in the special BBC One programme to mark Commonwealth Day.
The Queen highlighted the “friendship, spirit of unity and achievements” within the association while reflecting on the experiences undergone by different communities during the pandemic. She also praised the “selfless dedication to duty” seen across the association, particularly by medical staff and other key workers.
“[…] stirring examples of courage, commitment and selfless dedication to duty have been demonstrated in every Commonwealth nation and territory, notably by those working on the front line who have been delivering health care and other public services in their communities,” Her Majesty said.
As footage was played of the Queen’s numerous official video calls, she acknowledged that the innovative technology – which she noted “has been new to some of us” – has enabled people to stay in touch with family, friends, colleagues and counterparts who have been unable to meet in person.
“[…] we have found ourselves able to enjoy such communication, as it offers an immediacy that transcends boundaries or division, helping any sense of distance to disappear,” the monarch said.
She added that relationships with others across the Commonwealth will continue to remain important “as we strive to deliver a common future that is sustainable and more secure”, adding that this will enable all member states to become “healthier and happier places for us all”.
