The Queen delivered a message of unity ahead of Commonwealth Day, perceived by some as a subtle nod to Meghan and Harry. In her speech, the monarch praised the diversity of people and nations that can be found in the Commonwealth of Nations and the strength that comes with cooperation. 

She said: “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.” 

This message of unity comes as his family is gearing up to lose Prince Harry and Meghan as full-time working members of the Royal Family. 

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced in early January their intention to step bask as senior royals. 

After weeks of negotiations, they thrashed out a deal with the Queen and other senior royals, which will see Meghan and Harry no longer carrying out royal duties from March 31 in exchange for the freedom to live abroad and pursue private financial ventures.  

Meghan and Harry will also no longer be able to use their HRH styles and will have to change their current brand name, Sussex Royal. 

The Sussexes, who have been living since mid-November in Canada, have returned to the UK to carry out their last engagements. 

On Monday, they will also take part in the Commonwealth service, alongside with the Queen, Prince Charles, Camilla, Kate and Prince William. 

In her poignant speech, which will be printed in the order of service accompanying the service on Monday at Westminster Abbey, the Queen also opened up on her own feelings and memories of the Commonwealth. 

She continued: “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.”   

The Queen also appeared to acknowledge Prince Charles’s decades-long work in raising awareness on the impact the misuse of resources can have on the world and how important it is to protect planet Earth from the devastating effects of climate change. 

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.

“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.” 

The Commonwealth Day service will be attended by approximately 2000 people, including non-members of the Royal Family such as Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Commonwealth secretary-general Baroness Scotland, high commissioners, ambassadors, faith leaders and more than 800 schoolchildren and young people.  

The ceremony is to be broadcasted by the BBC. 

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