Commonwealth Day Luncheon 2026

Former Administrator of Norfolk Island and President of the Royal Commonwealth Society of Queensland, The Honourable Gary Hardgrave; Dean of the Consular Corps of Queensland, Mr Andres Arroyo Gorriaran and Members of the Consular Corps; Members of the Royal Victorian Order; Leaders from the many Queensland organisations working to support and promote our Commonwealth; distinguished guests.

I begin by acknowledging the Original Custodians of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera peoples, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to any First Nations people here today.

Graeme and I are delighted to be hosting this special Commonwealth Day lunch at Government House, as both a celebration and an acknowledgement, of the immense importance of our Commonwealth in furthering the objectives of peace and stability across the world.

This year’s theme focusses on building “prosperity” by unlocking opportunities.

But of course, prosperity goes far beyond the definitions of economic wealth and success.

It seeks a Commonwealth where all member countries benefit from a greater sense of advantage across all areas of life, to ensure flourishing, secure, and contented communities, where people live well and with ease, enjoy good health, and experience the long-lasting positives that such prosperity brings.

This speaks to the very purpose that has propelled The Victoria League for Commonwealth Friendship since its beginnings.

As the League’s Patron in this state, I am proud to support an organisation that has always aimed to empower the Commonwealth family—by generating a stronger sense of understanding and tolerance, offering hospitality and the generous hand of assistance, while promoting the value of education in developing potential.

I thank the League for their ongoing commitment to reinforcing the goals and ideals of the Commonwealth, because in the face of a world that is increasingly challenged by a complex array of threats, this special fraternity of nations is a valuable beacon of hope and solidarity.

It is a force for good, connecting diverse countries, large and small, as equals; representing a unity of purpose, delivered by the principles of democracy and a shared vision for the future.

And just as the Victoria League prides itself on constantly adapting to the changing needs of those it serves, the Commonwealth is also committed to responding to the dynamic requirements of our contemporary world.

On that note, we look, with optimism, towards CHOGM 2026, which will honour the determination "that progress for one, must mean progress for all".

And we look, with excitement, towards Glasgow 2026, when the Commonwealth Games brings together 3000 athletes in a spirit of friendly competition.

As Governor, I thank each of you for helping to improve the lives of people in Queensland, and in other parts of the globe, and for supporting the harmonising principles of our Commonwealth. 

I conclude by sharing with you His Majesty King Charles the Third’s Commonwealth Day Message for this day, the 9^th of March 2026, before inviting you to Toast the King.

THE KING’S COMMONWEALTH MESSAGE TO THE UNITED KINGDOM, REALMS AND THE COMMONWEALTH

We join together on this Commonwealth Day at a time of great challenge and great possibility. Across our world, communities and nations face the increasing pressures of conflict, climate change and rapid transformation. Yet it is often in such testing moments that the enduring spirit of the Commonwealth is most clearly revealed.

Ours is a remarkable association that spans every ocean and continent. Embracing an extraordinary diversity of culture, language and faith, our Commonwealth family is united by shared values of justice, democracy, opportunity, compassion and mutual respect. In a world that can feel increasingly fragmented, this voluntary union of free association remains rare and precious – a forum for open and honest discussion and debate to help improve the lives of the nearly three billion people who call our Member States home.

Our Commonwealth of Nations holds untapped potential for prosperous trade between trusting partners. With nearly two-thirds of our population under the age of thirty, we are a family defined by youth and possibility. It is our shared responsibility to ensure that they inherit not only hope and ambition, but also a world in which they can flourish.

That inheritance depends upon the health of our planet and on the restoration of the natural world on which we depend. Across so many parts of our Commonwealth climate change is not an abstract or distant threat, but a lived reality. The stewardship of Nature, the protection of oceans and forests, and the pursuit of prosperity secured in harmony with the natural world are duties we owe not only to one another, but to generations yet unborn.

As we look ahead to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua and Barbuda later this year, we are reminded that the great gatherings of our nations are strengthened by the daily endeavours of their people. What distinguishes the Commonwealth is not only what our governments resolve together, but what our people do each day in countless acts of service, enterprise and creativity. When leaders meet, they do so on behalf of millions whose quiet determination, resilience and generosity give true meaning to our shared endeavour.

Working together, we can ensure that the Commonwealth continues to stand as a force for good – grounded in community, committed to the kind of restorative sustainability that has a return on investment, enriched by culture, steadfast in its care for our planet, and united in friendship and in the service of its people.

THE LOYAL TOAST

Ladies and gentlemen (if you are able, please stand), ‘His Majesty King Charles the third, The King of Australia, The King’.