The Queen has spoken about the importance of the choices we make in her annual Commonwealth Day speech amid drama surrounding Meghan Markle and Prince Harry .
The Monarch said she finds the "the diversity of the people and countries that make up our worldwide family" inspiring in the moving message.
Speaking about how advantages in technology allow us to learn more about what's happening elsewhere in the Commonwealth, she said: "Looking to the future, this connectivity means we are also aware, perhaps as never before, that wherever we live, our choices and actions affect the well-being of people and communities living far away, and in very different circumstances."
The speech, which she signed Elizabeth R, has been published ahead of this afternoon's Commonwealth Day Service.
The celebration will see all the Royal Family come together at Westminster Abbey, including the Queen, Charles, Camilla, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Meghan and Harry.
It will be Harry and Meghan's final engagement before they quit and move to Canada, a decision which is said to have disappointed and upset the Queen.
It has today been announced that Sussexes and Cambridges will skip the Queen's procession, instead taking their seats with the rest of the guests before she arrives.
Kate and William decision to drop out was a last minute change, made after the order of services were printed.
The service will be attended by represented from all Commonwealth countries, including lots of schoolchildren.
Boxing legend Anthony Joshua will give a reflection and there will be performances by Craig David and Alexandra Burke.
Meghan and Harry joined the Queen for a church service at The Royal Chapel of All Saints in Windsor yesterday morning, believed to be the first time the Monarch has seen the Duchess since the couple announced their plans to quit.
The Queen's speech in full
On Commonwealth occasions, it is always inspiring to be reminded of the diversity of the people and countries that make up our worldwide family. We are made aware of the many associations and influences that combine through Commonwealth connection, helping us to imagine and deliver a common future.
This is particularly striking when we see people from nations, large and small, gathering for the Commonwealth Games, for meetings of Commonwealth governments, and on Commonwealth Day. Such a blend of traditions serves to make us stronger, individually and collectively, by providing the ingredients needed for social, political and economic resilience.
Throughout my life, I have had the opportunity to see and hear how membership of the Commonwealth family means so much to those living in all parts of the world, often in places that are quite remote. Advances in technology and modern media have now enabled many more people to witness and enjoy - with remarkable immediacy - this experience of Commonwealth connection, in areas such as education, medicine and conservation.
Looking to the future, this connectivity means we are also aware, perhaps as never before, that wherever we live, our choices and actions affect the well-being of people and communities living far away, and in very different circumstances.
For many, this awareness awakens a desire to employ our planet’s natural resources with greater care, and it is encouraging to see how the countries of the Commonwealth continue to devise new ways of working together to achieve prosperity, whilst protecting our planet.
As members of this very special community, on this Commonwealth Day, I hope that the people and countries of the Commonwealth will be inspired by all that we share, and move forward with fresh resolve to enhance the Commonwealth’s influence for good in our world.
ELIZABETH R
