King Charles hails ‘extraordinary potential’ of Commonwealth

Monarch delivers his first Commonwealth Day message from great pulpit in Westminster Abbey

King Charles has hailed the extraordinary potential" of the Commonwealth and spoken of the imperative to act" on its ideals to improve the lives of its 2.6 billion people, in his first Commonwealth Day message as monarch.

Delivered from the great pulpit at Westminster Abbey, Charles recalled his mother's particular pride" in Commonwealth Day, and said: The Commonwealth has been a constant in my own life, and yet its diversity continues to amaze and inspire me."

Commonwealth Day was an occasion of particular pride for my beloved mother, the late queen - a treasured opportunity to celebrate our Commonwealth family, to whose service 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.