The Royal Family has delivered a message on service and unity for Commonwealth Day 2021.
Due to the pandemic, this year's event was held today at Windsor Castle rather than Westminster Abbey. Queen Elizabeth II led the royals with a speech on how "communities across the family of nations" were able to "come together" amid the pandemic.
Queen Elizabeth's Commonwealth Day 2021 message
In an excerpt from the Queen's speech shared to social media, the 94-year-old monarch is heard praising "stirring examples of courage, commitment, and selfless dedication to duty" that were seen in the past year across the Commonwealth.
The Queen's message focused on the pandemic and gave particular praise to healthcare workers. "The testing times experienced by so many have led to a deeper appreciation of the mutual support and spiritual sustenance we enjoy by being connected to others," she added.
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Joining the Queen at Windsor Castle were Prince Charles, Duchess Camilla, and Countess Sophie, while Prince William and Duchess Kate were part of the TV broadcast through a video call with health and charity workers.
Typically held on the second Monday of March, Commonwealth Day was this year moved to a Sunday. The air date resulted in a few raised eyebrows, because the Royal Family's broadcast showed just hours before Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan's sit-down interview with Oprah Winfrey premieres in the United States.
Oprah with Meghan and Harry airs today at 8 p.m. ET on CBS in North America and Monday at 9 p.m. on ITV in the UK. Reportedly, the Queen plans to "ignore" the interview and is focusing on her week of work ahead following Commonwealth Day.
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