The seventy-fifth anniversary of The Commonwealth is a moment to reflect on the remarkable journey that our unique family of free and independent nations has made since 1949.
Messages
Message from The King to Australian Veterans of the Second World War in the 80th Anniversary Year of the War's End
25 April 2025
As we approach the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, it is with great admiration that I write to thank you, once again, for your selfless service in those most difficult and dangerous times. The passing of the years has in no way diminished the courageous deeds of those who sacrificed so much in the line of duty and in the pursuit of peace, freedom and justice.
For many years now, you have carried the memory of that dreadful conflict, and the weight of grief for others who fell in your country's service. I am always deeply touched when I hear of the love and pride veterans feel for their fallen comrades and family members, and there are few days in which they do not think of them. I know that it is no small burden to bear that the final resting places of the fallen are often so far from home.
We must, every one of us, remain vigilant in upholding the values for which you fought so gallantly over eighty years ago. Like others of my generation, I owe my peaceful childhood to the steadfast efforts of those of your comrades, with yourselves, in overcoming tyranny. For this I feel the most profound gratitude.
On Anzac Day, as we commemorate the 110th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings, I wanted to pay a special tribute to Australian and New Zealand veterans, and those who are on active service today. Through the generations, you have continued to enact the indomitable spirit of Anzac - forged in terrible conflict and preserved in peace - of courage, mateship and sacrifice.
It is my fervent hope that the years have brought you to a place of peace, and that peace shall remain with you always.CHARLES R.
Message from His Majesty The King Following Tropical Cyclone Alfred
18 March 2025
Following our visit to Australia at the end of last year, my wife and I particularly wanted to say how much our thoughts are with all those who have been so severely affected by the destructive weather events along Australia’s East coast over the past two months – from the flooding in North Queensland to the devastating effects of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred on communities in Southeast Queensland and Northern New South Wales.
The Queen and I have been monitoring these weather events with mounting concern. Australians are, of course, only too accustomed to these calamities but, as always, we are hugely inspired by everyone’s indomitable good humour and community spirit. Nevertheless, the impact is still utterly devastating, and especially so for those people who have just recovered, or are indeed still recovering, from yet another recent natural disaster.
Straightforward kindness and courage are the virtues that have always so impressed me ever since I first came to Australia, very nearly sixty years ago – and, yet again, they have underpinned how Australians are supporting one another through these crises.
Above all, we wanted to express our particular gratitude to the police, emergency services and military personnel, government and local authorities, and the large number of volunteers from across the nation for their preparedness, response and ongoing recovery efforts. We greatly admire their extraordinary commitment and selfless service to their fellow Australians, to whom we send our warmest thoughts and fond good wishes.
CHARLES R.
The King's Commonwealth Day Message
10 March 2025
Last October, leaders from across the Commonwealth came together in Samoa to reaffirm their “belief in the value of the Commonwealth as a trusted forum where diverse voices of our member states, the large and the small, the young and the old, come together as one family.” These gatherings are important for helping all Commonwealth nations to tackle the challenges of the day, yet they also play another vital role. In these uncertain times, where it is all too easy to believe that our differences are problems instead of a source of strength and an opportunity for learning, the Commonwealth’s remarkable collection of nations and peoples come together in the spirit of support and, crucially, friendship.
This year, the world reflects on the eightieth anniversary of the end of World War 2. More than one-and-a-half million men and women who served during the War came from across the Commonwealth to support the United Kingdom and its allies. On this special anniversary, we remember with particular pride and everlasting gratitude the untold sacrifice and selflessness of so many from around our Family of Nations who gave their lives in that dreadful conflict. The Commonwealth’s ability to bring together people from all over the world has stood the test of time and remains as ever-important today. Leaders recently reiterated the importance of collaboration for peace and human rights, as well as for the restoration of Nature both on land and in the oceans.
As we mark this Commonwealth Day together, there is no more important task than to restore the disrupted harmony of our entire planet. For the sake of our younger generations’ threatened future, I can only hope that the Commonwealth will continue its vital work to restore that harmony.
CHARLES R.
Message from His Majesty The King
14 April 2024
My wife and I were utterly shocked and horrified to hear of the tragic stabbing incident in Bondi.
Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of those who have been so brutally killed during such a senseless attack.
While details of these shocking circumstances are still emerging, our thoughts are also with those who were involved in the response, and we give thanks for the bravery of the first responders and emergency services.
Charles R.
Governor's Message
13 April 2024
Our community has been shocked by the terrible tragedy that has unfolded in Bondi Junction this afternoon. My heart goes out to those who have lost their loved ones and I express my deep concern for those who are injured and the many who have been affected by these events.
As a community we are grateful for our health professionals who once again have been called upon in an emergency and for the NSW Police Force for their response.
Thank you to all who are offering compassion and care at this challenging time.
Message from His Majesty The King for the Commonwealth Day Service of Celebration
11 March 2024
Last year, The Bahamas celebrated its fiftieth anniversary of Independence, as Grenada has this year, and Papua New Guinea will next year. Each of these milestones – and many others like them – represent the fulfilment of countless aspirations and the achievement of such remarkable potential. And the Commonwealth’s growth, with new members continuing to join our family of nations, demonstrates clearly that whilst we may not all have a shared history, we have common ambitions for a better future – working together to build resilience and respond to global challenges.
The Commonwealth family is strongest when we are connected, through friendship. As I have said before, the Commonwealth is like the wiring of a house, and its people, our energy and our ideas are the current that runs through those wires. Together and individually, we are strengthened by sharing perspectives and experiences, and by offering and borrowing the myriad ways we have each tackled the challenges of our time. This is true both at the level of nations and, indeed, at the local level.
We recognize today that our diversity is our greatest strength. The Commonwealth represents a third of humanity, from all regions of the world, with all the different experiences, knowledge, and aspirations that this brings. Wherever we live, we are united by the many challenges we face – whether it be climate change, the loss of Nature, or the social and economic changes that new technologies are bringing. Our diversity means that these challenges affect us all differently and that we experience their impacts in different ways. Their seriousness, however, is common to each one of us.
All of this means that we must work together to understand each other’s perspectives, including the inequalities and injustices which still resonate to this day. We must find ways of healing, and to support each other to pursue solutions. I cannot say often enough that it is by coming together that we create the best chances to improve our world and the lives of people everywhere. Indeed, over the years countless people across the Commonwealth have been inspired to form their own Commonwealth Associations, from lawyers and accountants, to business and trade networks, and many more besides. The work they do is absolutely vital, sharing professional knowledge, experience, and expertise across the Continents for the betterment of each one of us.
The Commonwealth, above all, retains a particular focus on our young people, who make up two-thirds of the entire Commonwealth population. Whether in Kenya or Malaysia, Vanuatu or Dominica, Malta, or Canada, I never cease to be impressed by their creativity, innovative skills, and hard work, often in the most challenging circumstances. Their energy is transforming approaches to development, technology and preserving and restoring Nature and will, I hope, help to shape, and safeguard our common future.
Having recently celebrated my own seventy-fifth birthday, it warms my heart to reflect on the way the Commonwealth has been a constant throughout my own life – a precious source of strength, inspiration, and pride. In recent weeks, I have been most deeply touched by your wonderfully kind and thoughtful good wishes for my health and, in return, can only continue to serve you, to the best of my ability, throughout the Commonwealth. My belief in our shared endeavours and in the potential of our people remains as sure and strong as it has ever been. I have no doubt that we will continue to support one another across the Commonwealth as, together, we continue this vital journey.
Royal Communications
5 February 2024
During The King's recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer.
His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties. Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual.
The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure. He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible.
His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer.
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Governor's Message
On behalf of the people of New South Wales, I wish His Majesty well for his upcoming schedule of treatments and for a swift return to full health. We look forward to his timely resumption of public duties.