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Guard’s Chapel on 20 May 2016 by Abbey Road Studios. (Intro narrative) Every man, woman and child sits on the shoulders of previous generations, inheriting the courage and discovery of those who went before and the opportunity to learn the lessons of the past and to build for a better future. In this way, on 26 April 1949, the Modern Commonwealth was born out of the international collaboration that had been generated throughout the First and Second World Wars. In an act of continuum, the political leaders in the second half of the 1940s were determined not to lose this spirit of international brotherhood and mutual support. With King George VI as its Head, the Commonwealth of Nations was first established as a voluntary group of eight independent countries; Australia, Canada, Ceylon, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa and the United Kingdom. Today the Commonwealth comprises 52 nations across all six inhabited regions of the globe: Africa, the Americas, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe, and the Pacific. Each of the 52 independent nations is an equal stakeholder and with national populations ranging from 9,600 to 1.3 billion, and with multifarious races and faiths, the Commonwealth encapsulates the concept of “Embracing Diversity”. When King George VI died on 6 February 1952, the Commonwealth Heads of Government invited the young Queen Elizabeth II to become Head of the Commonwealth. For 65 years Her Majesty has been and continues to be, a constant and supremely uniting influence with a unique presence and personal style which can never be replicated. The 21st Century Commonwealth, now in its 68th year, is building on its dynamic legacy and heritage - with international engagement and diversity at its core, and the opportunity to maximise individual, national and international potential, it offers the possibility to be a model of mutual human respect, support and understanding. Commonwealth Anthem All are born free and are equal With full dignity and rights Everyone has right to life And to liberty Recognition, liberation Everywhere before the law No one shall be held in Slavery or servitude Individual rights to marriage Entered into with consent Family protected by Society and state Every member of society Has the right to state support Education, faith, expression And to property Every nation shall ensure The freedom of its citizens Reason, conscience and religion Always be free. Right to full and public hearing Banish cruel inhuman treatment Live in harmony And live a life of freedom