APIA, SAMOA – King Charles III has revealed that his entire life has been sharpened by the values espoused by the Commonwealth, from the days of his grandfather, King George VI, to her mother, Queen Elizabeth II.
He said since his first visit to Malta in 1954 at the age of five, he has travelled to almost every Commonwealth member and appreciated its diversity of cultures.
“I have met remarkable people in every conceivable walk of my life and learnt a great deal from so many proud cultures and traditions. All of this has given me an unshakeable faith in the special nature of our Commonwealth and the extraordinary value it holds,” he said.
He said all nations are equal in this unique and voluntary association.
“This year, as you all know, is the 75th anniversary of the Commonwealth and, incidentally, shortly to be my 76th, and throughout that time we have committed ourselves to developing free and democratic societies and promoting peace and prosperity for all. This endeavour underpins how we understand and tackle contemporary and emerging challenges rooted in our shared beliefs in the rule of law and an international order where every nation has a voice,” he said.
He said the Commonwealth represents about a third (1/3) of humanity with all its splendidly diverse complexity and yet still know and understand each other such that they can freely discuss the most challenging issues with openness and respect at the time of heightened global tensions and horrifying conflicts.
The King said it seemed to him that these connections between the member states are more precious than ever before.
“Together we are wiser, stronger and more able to respond to the demands of our time. That said, our cohesion requires that we acknowledge where we have come from. I understand from listening to people across the Commonwealth how the most painful aspects of our past continue to resonate. It is vital, therefore, that we understand our history to guide us in making the right choices in the future, the King said.
He stated that in situations where inequalities exist, such as in access to education, skills training, employment, health, and a planet with a climate that allows people to survive and thrive, it is crucial to find appropriate methods and language to address these issues.
“As we look around the world and consider its many deeply concerning challenges, let us choose within our Commonwealth family the language of community and respect and reject the language of division. None of us can change the past, but we can commit with all our hearts to learning its lessons and to finding creative ways to right inequalities that endure,” he said.
He said they need to champion the principle that the Commonwealth is one of genuine opportunity for all. The King said this has been his guiding principle throughout his life in the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.
“I have tried in whatever way I can to foster opportunity, particularly for young people and for those whose voices might not otherwise be heard. That is why when we met in Malta nearly a decade ago, I asked the then Prince’s Trust, now the King’s Trust, which is shorter, to celebrate its 50th anniversary and expand its work internationally and across the Commonwealth.
“I’m delighted that the King’s Trust International will next year be celebrating its 10th birthday and that with local partners, its important work has already reached over 100,000 young people in this time,” the Head of the Commonwealth said.
The King said few of their forebears could have imagined the Commonwealth of today of free association, of proudly independent nations, and alive with opportunity stands in proud defiance of the discrimination of the past.
“We have not reached this point by accident, but a shared vision and collective courage have been our strength.
“For my part, I can assure you today that for however many years God grants me, I will join you and the people of the Commonwealth on every step of this journey. Let us learn from the lessons of the past. Let us be proud of who we are today. And together let us forge a future of harmony with nature and between ourselves that our children and our grandchildren deserve,” King Charles III concluded.
