By Ethan Bilby
LONDON, March 12 (Reuters) – Britain’s Queen Elizabeth
led a royal delegation in observance of Commonwealth Day in
London’s Westminster Abbey on Monday, featuring performances by
musicians including Canadian Rufus Wainwright and South Africa’s
Hugh Masekela.
Wearing a pink dress and matching pink hat, the Queen was
accompanied by Prince Charles in a navy suit and his wife
Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall.
In one of the first events on her 60th diamond jubilee
calendar, the queen spoke in a pre-recorded address about the
importance of cultural connections in the Commonwealth of
Nations.
“This year, our Commonwealth focus seeks to explore how we
can share and strengthen the bond of Commonwealth citizenship we
already enjoy by using our cultural connections to help bring us
even closer together, as family and friends across the globe.”
Formed of 54 sovereign states, the Commonwealth is an
intergovernmental organisation consisting mostly of states that
were part of the British Empire. The queen is still head of
state for some of them, including Canada, Australia and New
Zealand.
Canadian singer Rufus Wainwright was one of the first
performers, playing the piano and singing a soulful rendition of
Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah.”
“It’s a great honour, it’s wonderful to be here,” he told
Reuters after the service.
“I need to get more bookings in Africa now!” he added
jokingly.
Continued…
