Today, let’s talk about the Commonwealth. (Full name - The Commonwealth of Nations). It is a group of 54 independent Member States, most of whom are former British Empire countries. The exceptions are Rwanda and Mozambique.
Like the British Empire once did, the Commonwealth today spans the world. Ninety four per cent of the Commonwealth is in Africa and Asia. It covers nearly one third of the world and has over 2.1 billion people in it. This is almost a third of the world’s population...
Category: Economic / Trade / The Commonwealth
This year The Queen celebrates 60 years on the throne. The British Monarch will be celebrating her Diamond Jubilee at the beginning of June. Special celebrations will take place across Britain between 2-6 June.
The Queen came to the throne on 6th February 1952. Her coronation took place on the 2nd June 1953. She celebrated her Silver Jubilee (25 years) in 1977 and her Golden Jubilee (50 years) in 2002. The only other Monarch to celebrate a Diamond Jubilee was Queen Victoria in 1897.
Communities around the country will be celebrating the specially extended bank holiday weekend between the 2-5 June. During this particular weekend The Queen will be at several events including the Epson Derby on Saturday 2nd June. Sunday 3rd June will see the fourth annual Big Lunch (street parties countrywide) take place. Anyone who wants to celebrate this can do so on this day.
Category: Britain / The Queen / Diamond Jubilee
Last week Queen Elizabeth II visited the United Nations in New York where she addressed the UN General Assembly for the first time since 1957. She said: “The UN had moved from being a high-minded aspiration to being a real force for common good.” She added, “For over six decades the United Nations has helped to shape international response to global dangers. The challenge now is to continue the security, prosperity and dignity of our fellow human beings.”
Since her original visit 53 years ago the number of member states have increased from 77 to 192. The Queen praised the UN for its work in reducing conflict, offering humanitarian assistance and tackling the effects of poverty. Her majesty warned of “new challenges such as terrorism and global warming that had emerged and had tested this organisation as much as its member states.” On climate change The Queen said: “Careful attention must be taken of the risks facing smaller, more vulnerable nations, many of them from the Commonwealth.”
Category: United Nations / New York / The Queen
