Royal Insider

Behind palace gates with Juliet Rieden

- Juliet Rieden

It was the first time in almost a decade that Her Majesty had missed the Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey, but even though she wasn't there, the monarch's presence was deeply felt. In the morning, she released a powerful message: “It has given me pleasure to renew the promise I made in 1947, that my life will always be devoted in service.” With her heir, Prince Charles, as her representative at the joyous and rather moving ceremony, the Queen was honoured as a role model, which included a spontaneous, unscripted “hip-hip hooray!” from Lord Sentamu, former Archbishop of York, as Elizabeth II was widely lauded as the ultimate servant to the people.

The Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall, Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge shared hugs and kisses on arrival at Westminster Abbey. This is the tight-knit heart of tomorrow's monarchy, and they looked deliberately united and in tune. Another pertinent message!

The Queen was just 26 years old when she became Head of the Commonwealth in 1952. Throughout her reign, this hopeful body has proved something of a success story for Her Majesty, growing from just seven nations to 54 members, including Australia and New Zealand. Elizabeth's passion for this peaceful union of creeds and cultures is a deeply personal one, and many have noted that, aside from her role as monarch, it is this position that the Queen most cherishes.

Her father, King George VI, was the first head of the modern Commonwealth and profoundly believed that, following World War II and India's partition, a body that brought nations together was sorely needed. The King passed that mantle to his daughter, which she in turn will pass on to her eldest son, who was chosen by member states to be her successor when the time comes.