Dear Sir
Queen Elizabeth was a queen beyond Britain. As head of the Commonwealth, in particular, her sense of caring for its unifying principles and her dutiful commitment in advancing their discharge made her a global asset.
For that Commonwealth of 54 countries her leadership rested not in allegiance but affection.
Having served closely as Commonwealth Secretary General for 15 years, I attribute the Commonwealth’s survival over the years of UDI in Rhodesia and aparthied in South Africa greatly to the Queen’s deep caring for the new Commonwealth she had inherited, and her unqualified sense of duty.
Few remember that it was the Queen who gave Marlborough House – her Grandmother’s home – as a Commonwealth Centre.
Such was her caring for her new wider family where his week there will be remembrances of friendly country visits on every continent. The whole world has benefited from Queen Elizabeth’s life being ‘long’, in the context of her vow of service as her reign began.
Sir Shridath Ramphal
Commonwealth Secretary-General 1975-1990
