Queen hails baton relay ahead of this summer’s Games as part of this year’s “Team Commonwealth” theme
TURKISH CYPRIOTS marked this year’s Commonwealth Day in Romford, northeast London, at an event organised the local Conservative MP Andrew Rosindell.
The Turkish Cypriot representative in London, Oya Tuncalı, and her husband İhsan, were present at the “Day of Thanksgiving” with third secretaries Müjde İnançoğlu and Tahir Tahir.
The event, which was attended by High Commissioners, attachés and diplomats from many Commonwealth countries, saw Cypriot food and drink presented and shared with guests.
Commonwealth Day is the annual celebration of the Commonwealth of Nations held on the second Monday in March, and marked by a multi-faith service in Westminster Abbey, normally attended by Queen Elizabeth II in her role as head of the organisation.
In an address published to mark the day, the Queen said: “Affinities of history and inheritance from the past are strong, yet we are bound together by a sense that the Commonwealth is a powerful influence of good for the future.
“People of all ages from different cultures are weaving an ever-growing network of links which connect us in our diversity and our common purpose.
“It is this unity that is expressed in this year’s theme: Team Commonwealth.”
The pre-recorded message was part of the annual Observance of Commonwealth Day ceremony at Westminster Abbey on Monday afternoon. Joining The Queen for the service were the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince of Wales, Duchess of Cornwall The Earl and Countess of Wessex, as well as various dignitaries.
While it has a certain official status, Commonwealth Day is not a public holiday in most countries.